KAMPALA, UGANDA
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts commended Uganda for its commitment to strengthening radiation safety, noting the country’s developing legal and regulatory frameworks. The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission, which concluded on 12 November 2025, was conducted at the request of the Government of Uganda and hosted by the Atomic Energy Council (AEC). The team encouraged further enhancements, including developing a national policy and strategy for safety to align more closely with IAEA standards.
Although Uganda does not have nuclear power plants, it uses radiation sources in medical and industrial applications, and is among more than 20 countries exploring nuclear power and the potential construction of a research reactor. The 10-day IRRS mission, which began on 3 November, reviewed all facilities, activities, and exposure situations, aiming to strengthen the effectiveness of Uganda’s regulatory infrastructure while recognizing the country’s responsibility to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.
The 12-member IRRS team, including 10 regulatory experts from 10 countries and 2 IAEA staff, conducted interviews and discussions with AEC personnel. Site visits included the AEC Interim Radioactive Sources Management Facility in Mpoma, Coca Cola Beverages Uganda Limited, and Sir Albert Cook Medical Centre in Kampala.
“The Government of Uganda and the AEC have continuously developed regulatory frameworks and increased competent staff in line with IAEA safety standards,” said Ritva Bly, IRRS team leader and Principal Advisor at Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. She urged further improvements, particularly in preparation for a potential nuclear power programme.
The mission highlighted good practices, such as stakeholder mapping, staff awareness programs, GPS tracking of facilities, and guidance for operators developing radiation protection programmes. Recommendations included establishing a national safety policy, clarifying roles and responsibilities, applying a graded approach to regulatory functions, enhancing regulations, and developing supporting implementation guides.
“Noah Deogratias Luwalira, AEC Secretary and CEO, noted the mission allowed Uganda to benchmark its framework against global standards, and committed to addressing the areas identified for improvement. AEC Chairperson Obwoya Kinyera Sam emphasized that protecting people and the environment remains the top priority as Uganda advances towards nuclear power, and the IRRS recommendations will guide the strengthening of regulatory capacity and effectiveness.”
The IAEA Safety Standards provide a global framework to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, serving as a reference for Uganda’s ongoing regulatory development.
