Uganda government will spend close to US $ 6 billion to construct a Nuclear power plant to generate extra power for industrial use both local and multi- national.
Sarah Nafuna Mudoko, Head of Nuclear Energy Unit in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has noted that the studies to construct this power plant are done and the first nuclear plant will be ready by 2031 with capacity of 1000 Megawatts and the second power plant will be ready before 2040.
According to Nafuna, the studies have recommended that this first nuclear power plant will be stationed around Lake Kyoga , and future stations will be constructed in Mubende, Lamwo and Kiruhura.
‘’We selected these areas, because they are safe for both, the plant and people. The nuclear power plant always stationed in areas that are free from earth quakes, areas with no valleys and most especially areas with enough water which could help in cooling’’. Mudoko added.
The construction will kick off in 2022 with help of companies from Russia and China.
The ministry is currently working on policy and laws that will regulate and guide the establishment and use of the nuclear energy in the country.
Over 300 million Uganda shillings will be needed for each person who interested in going abroad to study and acquire more knowledge of working in the nuclear energy stations.
Mudoko, told us that over 50 people will be required to go abroad to obtain knowledge about nuclear energy to ensure that by time of construction, Uganda will be having engineers who can offer their services.