An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has commended Uganda for its commitment to the continuous improvement of radiation safety, as reflected in its developing legal and regulatory frameworks.
The IAEA Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission, which concluded on 12 November, was conducted at the request of the Government of Uganda and hosted by the Atomic Energy Council (AEC). The IRRS team also encouraged further enhancements, including the development of a national policy and strategy for safety to align more closely with IAEA safety standards.
Uganda does not have any nuclear power plants but uses radiation sources in medical and industrial applications. Uganda is one of more than 20 countries considering introducing nuclear power to diversify its energy mix. The East African country is also considering building a research reactor.
The 10-day IRRS mission, which began on 3 November, covered all facilities, activities and exposure situations. IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of the national nuclear and radiation safety regulatory infrastructure, based on IAEA safety standards and international good practices, while recognizing the responsibility of each country to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.
The IRRS team – comprising 10 regulatory experts from 10 countries, as well as 2 IAEA staff members – conducted interviews and discussions with AEC staff. Members of the IRRS team also visited the AEC Interim Radioactive Sources Management Facility in Mpoma, as well as two facilities with radiation sources in Kampala – an industrial facility, Coca Cola Beverages Uganda Limited, and a medical facility, Sir Albert Cook Medical Centre.
“Uganda has continuously developed the regulatory framework for radiation protection and safety in line with the IAEA safety standards, while also increasing the number of competent staff at the AEC,” said Ritva Bly, the IRRS team leader and Principal Advisor at the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland. “The Government of Uganda together with AEC should continue to make efforts to improve further, as set out in the mission report, while also taking into account the intention to develop a nuclear power programme.”
The team identified good performances, including:
- Stakeholder mapping to ensure effective communication with stakeholders;
- Awareness raising activities for staff to reinforce the AEC’s mandate, mission, vision and values;
- Recording GPS coordinates of facilities in order to support future navigation, geomapping and inspection planning; and
- Providing guides to support operators in developing radiation protection programmes.
The team also provided recommendations and suggestions to help Uganda enhance its regulatory framework for radiation safety, including to:
- Establish a national policy and strategy for safety, as well as for the management of radioactive waste;
- Ensure clear allocation of responsibilities for safety within the governmental, legal and regulatory framework for safety and make provisions for the effective coordination of regulatory functions;
- Further develop the application of the graded approach to all regulatory functions; and
- Continue promulgating regulations on radiation protection and safety that are aligned with IAEA safety standards and proceed to further develop appropriate guides for implementation.
“The IRRS mission has provided Uganda with a valuable opportunity to benchmark our regulatory framework against global standards,” said Noah Deogratias Luwalira, AEC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. “We are encouraged by the recognition of the progress we have made and are equally committed to addressing the areas identified for improvement to ensure that Uganda’s regulatory system remains strong, effective and in full alignment with IAEA safety standards.”
“As Uganda advances towards nuclear power, our foremost responsibility remains protection of people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation,” said Obwoya Kinyera Sam, AEC Chairperson. “We have embraced the IRRS recommendations as a roadmap for strengthening our capacity and effectiveness as a regulator in the nuclear industry.”
IAEA Safety Standards
The IAEA Safety Standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements and guidance to ensure safety. They reflect an international consensus and serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
