Uganda is on its way to becoming Africa’s third nuclear-powered country

By Chinedu Okafor

The Ugandan government said on Thursday that it plans to generate at least 1000 megawatts (MW) from nuclear power by 2031 as part of its efforts to diversify its electricity resources and speed its energy transition, which is a critical component of its climate change response.

This information is based on a report done by Reuters. According to the report, the president of the country disclosed that Uganda has a rich Uranium reserve it wishes to take advantage of. He emphasized that his administration was eager to capitalize on the country’s Uranium for prospective nuclear energy development.

To this effect, Uganda inked a deal with China that stipulates that the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) would assist Uganda in developing capabilities for the peaceful use of atomic energy.

Currently, Only South Africa has an active nuclear power plant, while Russia’s state-owned energy business Rosatom commenced construction of Egypt’s first nuclear facility last year.