Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kampala (Agenzia Fides)- Uranium mining in Uganda has been stopped. President Yoweri Museveni told the minister of energy not to stipulate any more agreements for the extraction of uranium and to open an agency for nuclear energy in his ministry.
The local press said the decision followed a five day meeting of MPs members of the president's, NRM, National Resistance Movement, and a final statement calling for “a national policy for petroleum, gas and minerals and a guarantee for present and future generations to benefit from the profits”.
“The President has asked the Energy Minister to freeze permits to exploit the uranium recently discovered in our country. He also asked the minister to open an office for nuclear matters” said NRM secretary general and defence minister, Amama Mbabazi.
Uranium was first discovered in Uganda in 2004. According to a recent Energy Ministry report the areas where the precious mineral is present extend for 18,000sq km in the region of Buganda-Toro, 12,000sq km in the area of Karagwe-Ankole, 900sq km between Lake Albert and Lake Kyoga, 5sqkm around Lake Edward and 900sq km in the high plain of Buhwezu.
The Energy Ministry said permits to extract the mineral were given to local and foreign companies only for a very a small part of these areas. Geological investigation is underway to see it there are more uranium deposits.
The creation of a Ugandan nuclear office can be seen as a prelude to the construction of a Ugandan nuclear plant. However the Energy minister said the matter was being discussed and that it would be necessary to assess the impact of nuclear energy on the environment and on health before deciding to build a plant. Uganda energy ministry experts say within 25 years Uganda will need 20mila megawatt of energy and the nuclear option is being looked at with interest. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/7/2007 righe 33 parole 379)
