Busoga Region – The government has officially launched a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for Uganda’s first nuclear power plant in Buyende District.
However, the project has encountered stiff resistance from local residents, who cite a lack of awareness, insufficient consultation, and uncertainties surrounding compensation.
The plan involves relocating thousands of residents from 11 villages in Kidera Sub-county to make way for the $9 billion project, which is expected to generate 8,400 megawatts of electricity.
While the government touts the facility as a transformative step toward energy independence, residents feel excluded from critical discussions about its implementation.
Ronald Sengasi, LC1 Chairperson of Kasato Village, voiced frustration at the lack of engagement.
“Our members have not been consulted. All we hear are reports of resettlement plans. How are we supposed to trust this process?” Sengasi questioned.
Richard Ssenyange, LCIII Chairperson of Buyanja Sub-county, echoed these concerns, pointing to past issues with compensation.
“Compensation must be transparent and fair. Why not consider alternative sites instead of displacing us?” he asked.
Defending the choice of Buyende, Tusiime Denis Tungotyo, a nuclear engineer with the Ministry of Energy, highlighted the technical suitability of the location.
“Extensive feasibility studies identified Buyende as the most viable site due to its strong bedrock and proximity to Lake Victoria, which provides the water resources essential for nuclear fission,” Tungotyo explained.
Tusiime Grace, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Energy, assured residents that the resettlement process would adhere to legal frameworks.
“This plant will not only diversify Uganda’s energy sources but also support initiatives like e-mobility, the Standard Gauge Railway, and affordable electricity for households and industries,” she said.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, who is also the Woman MP for Kamuli District, sought to reassure residents during the launch.
“The government acknowledges your concerns and is committed to addressing them. We cannot achieve progress at the expense of our people,” Kadaga affirmed.
Buyende’s selection follows consideration of other potential sites, including Nakasongola, Kiruhura, Lamwo, Sembabule, and Kasanda districts.
Uganda, endowed with substantial uranium deposits in Arua, Packwach, Agago, Masindi, and Kabarole, views nuclear energy as a solution to its energy deficit.
However, nuclear power remains controversial worldwide. Critics question whether such costly technology—estimated by the World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR) to cost between $112 and $189 per megawatt-hour (MWh)—is suitable for a developing country striving to expand energy access.
While the government remains committed to its nuclear ambitions, the resistance from Buyende residents highlights the need for a more inclusive approach.
Transparent compensation mechanisms, meaningful consultation, and effective communication will be critical in balancing Uganda’s energy goals with the rights and livelihoods of affected communities.
As the project moves forward, whether the government can reconcile its ambitions with local concerns remains to be seen.
