Lesedi Nuclear Services, a seasoned leader in nuclear energy solutions with over three decades of experience, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Government of Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. This collaboration signals a significant milestone in Uganda's journey towards harnessing nuclear energy for various applications.
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Ugandan engineers will travel to South Africa, where they will be attached to Lesedi Nuclear Services. This partnership aims to build Uganda's nuclear energy capacity and aligns with the government's vision to diversify its energy sources and enhance industrialization.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa stated that Uganda has received international assessments affirming its readiness to develop nuclear energy as part of its sustainable energy strategy. To achieve this, Ugandan engineers will undergo training in South Africa, gaining invaluable on-the-job experience at Lesedi, a company renowned for its expertise in nuclear energy generation and maintenance.
As part of this commitment, Ugandan engineers will continue to receive training in South Africa in years to come. Currently, Uganda already has 22 nuclear engineers, but the government's goal is to develop a pool of 1,004 nuclear energy specialists to support the national nuclear energy agenda.
Lesedi Nuclear Services, which supports the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town, South Africa, is enthusiastic about assisting Uganda in addressing its energy needs. CEO Francis Carruthers expressed Lesedi's commitment to providing necessary support to Ugandan scientists to build their expertise, stating, "With 30 years of experience in nuclear energy generation and maintenance and having completed over 200 plant modifications, Lesedi is well-equipped to support Uganda's aspirations. We are here to offer advice and collaboration."
Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry, emphasized the importance of the partnership, highlighting the establishment of a nuclear department and plans for a National Nuclear Energy Company. A nuclear science center has also been set up at Soroti University. Lesedi will contribute to the development of a curriculum to train nuclear energy engineers, further enhancing Uganda's capabilities in this sector.
The demand for energy in Uganda is growing at a remarkable 15% annually, driven by industrialization, urban center development, and support for small-scale industries. The National Development Plan forecasts a power demand growth rate of 22.7% per annum in the near future.
Uganda has identified potential sites in five districts for hosting nuclear power plants: Mubende, Kiruhura, Lamwo, Buyende, and Nakasongola. These locations are strategically chosen based on their proximity to water bodies and energy demand centers. Additionally, Uganda possesses significant uranium prospects in various regions, further contributing to the feasibility of nuclear energy development.
The partnership between Lesedi Nuclear Services and the Government of Uganda signifies a pivotal moment in Uganda's quest for energy sustainability and industrial growth. Together, they are committed to realizing the potential of nuclear energy to meet the nation's energy needs and drive economic development.