Uganda is taking a significant step toward becoming a nuclear energy hub, following the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development’s signing of a contract for site evaluation of the proposed Buyende Nuclear Power Plant in Kidera Sub- County, Buyende District.
The plant is expected to generate 8,400 megawatts (MW) of electricity, forming a crucial part of Uganda’s broader strategy to generate 52,481 MW by 2040, with 24,000 MW projected to come from nuclear energy.
The agreement between the ministry and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) follows Uganda’s 2023 announcement to produce its first 1,000 MW of nuclear energy by 2031. It also aligns with the country’s plan to diversify its energy mix beyond hydroelectric power to include petroleum, thermal, solar, and nuclear sources.
“Nuclear is not just an option—it is a necessity,” said Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa. “With studies underway since 2016 and land acquisition in progress, Uganda is building a clean, reliable energy future.”
Under the contract, KHNP will lead the site suitability assessment for the Buyende area, which spans at least 30 square kilometers. The evaluation will consider critical factors including climate, seismic and flood risks, proximity to water sources for cooling, and potential hazards such as aircraft crashes. All assessments will adhere to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.
KHNP will serve as the project’s main contractor, working alongside Dohwa Engineering and KEPCO E&C over the next 26 months, with the assessment phase expected to conclude by July 2027.
Uganda currently generates about 2,040 MW of electricity, while national consumption is roughly half that. However, the government warns that demand could outstrip supply within the next decade unless new generation capacity is added.
Power from the Buyende nuclear project is expected to support long-term demand from emerging sectors such as the Standard Gauge Railway, electric mobility, and regional energy exports. It is also anticipated to help lower electricity tariffs for consumers.
“This contract signing is a meaningful first step toward exporting Korean-style nuclear power plants to the African market, which holds great growth potential,” said KHNP President Huang Ju-ho. He added that KHNP aims to strengthen its presence in Africa through its partnership with Uganda.
The Buyende nuclear project is estimated to cost approximately USD 9 billion (UGX 33 trillion).
Uganda is one of seven sub-Saharan African nations committed to integrating nuclear energy into their power mix between 2030 and 2037. Others include Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and Zambia. Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda have already established a National Nuclear Energy Position and are exploring both large-scale and small modular reactors.
Nuclear energy is considered one of the cleanest sources of power, producing no carbon dioxide during operation. It plays a vital role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) and in addressing climate change.
With Uganda’s electricity demand growing at approximately 15% annually, nuclear energy offers a sustainable, reliable solution that can meet increasing demand without contributing to environmental degradation. Unlike solar, wind, or hydro, nuclear power operates consistently at high capacity, making it a dependable addition to the energy mix.