Uganda has signed a site evaluation agreement with the South Korean government for the proposed nuclear power plant in Buyende district.
The agreement was signed between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd (KHNP) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
According to the contract, at least 30% of the site evaluation work will be subcontracted to Ugandan companies and KHNP will provide capacity-building opportunities by training Ministry of Energy staff and local firms, ensuring knowledge transfer and the promotion of local content.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa underscored the critical role of nuclear energy in Uganda’s future energy mix.
“Nuclear is not just an option it is a necessity. Since 2016, we’ve been conducting studies and acquiring land, and now we are one step closer to a clean, reliable energy future. We are grateful to KHNP, KEPCO E&C, Dohwa, and all the technical teams for their unwavering support,” Nankabirwa said.
Permanent Secretary Irene Batebe praised the collaboration, saying, “We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Republic of Korea, which has played a key role in building Uganda’s institutional, technical, and human capacity in nuclear energy. Many of our nuclear experts have received specialized training in Korea.”
Nankabirwa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation, noting that Uganda is following a robust legal and institutional framework aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.
“Through inter-agency coordination and adherence to international standards, we are building a credible and responsible nuclear power program,” she said.
The site evaluation process is a critical requirement under IAEA safety standards as it involves analyzing physical characteristics, environmental risks, seismic activity, groundwater flow, and potential hazards that may affect the safety of the nuclear power facility.
“Picture a Uganda where factories run smoothly, homes have consistent power, and children study under lights powered by safe, modern nuclear technology. That is the future we are building,” Nankabirwa said.
The evaluation service contract for the 8,400 MW Buyende Nuclear Power Plant, bringing us closer to our 2040 energy goal of 52,481 MW, with 24,000 MW from nuclear.
