Uganda, Korea Sign Site Evaluation Contract for Nuclear Plant in Buyende

The Government of Uganda and the Republic of Korea have taken a major step toward the realization of Uganda’s nuclear energy ambitions by signing a site evaluation service contract for the proposed 8,400 MW Buyende nuclear power plant.

The agreement, signed between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd (KHNP) and Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), brings the country closer to its ambitious Vision 2040 energy goal of generating 52,481 MW of which 24,000 MW is expected to come from nuclear power.

The signing ceremony was held yesterday in Entebbe and presided over by Uganda’s Minister of Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa, and the Korean Ambassador to Uganda, Sung-Soo Park.

Speaking at the event, Nankabirwa emphasized the critical role of nuclear energy in Uganda’s future energy mix.

“Nuclear is not just an option it is a necessity,” she declared. “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.”

The contract stipulates that at least 30% of the site evaluation work will be subcontracted to Ugandan companies.

In addition, KHNP will provide capacity-building opportunities by training MEMD staff and local firms, ensuring knowledge transfer and the promotion of local content.

Permanent Secretary Irene Batebe praised the collaboration.

“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,"Batebe said.

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.

Currently, the energy ministry is in the process of acquiring 30.1 square kilometers of land in Buyende for the project.

The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) studies are expected to conclude in the coming weeks, paving the way for actual site work.

The site evaluation process is a critical requirement under IAEA Safety Standards. It involves analyzing physical characteristics, environmental risks, seismic activity, groundwater flow, and potential hazards that may affect the safety of the nuclear power facility.

“These comprehensive studies will inform the feasibility of the Buyende project by examining technical, social, environmental, and radiological factors,” a ministry official said.

Once complete, the Buyende Nuclear Power Plant will play a transformative role in Uganda’s energy sector.

It promises to stabilize electricity supply, reduce outages, power industrial growth, and help meet future domestic and regional energy demands.

"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 concluded.