Atomic Energy Council MINISTRY OF ENERGY & MINERAL DEVELOPMENT

SECURING YOUR FUTURE

H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Hon. Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, President of the Republic of Minister of Energy & Mineral Development

• 9 Congratulations!

On this historic occasion, The Chairperson, the Council Members and all staff of Atomic Energy Council convey their congratulations to H.E Gen. Yoweri T. Kaguta Museveni upon his re-election as the President of the Republic of Uganda 2021- 2026.

Long live President Museveni. Long Live Uganda.

Dr. Akisophel Kisolo, Mr. Noah Deogratias Luwalira, Chairperson, Atomic Energy Council Secretary and C.E.O Atomic Energy Council

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Established by the Atomic Energy Act No. 24 of 2008 (AEA) Laws of Uganda, the Council is mandated to regulate peaceful applications of ionising radiation to provide for the protection and safety of society and the environment from dangers resulting from ionising radiation. The use of Atomic Energy in Uganda is in medical, industrial, agriculture, research among other fields.

Atomic Energy Council Ionizing radiation versus Non- However, these same properties embarks on the regulation of ionising radiation and characteristics make ionising sources and applications that Ionizing radiation is extremely high radiation dangerous to persons and the emit non-ionising radiation frequency invisible electromagnetic environment because of the high risk in The Atomic Energy Council (AEC) is energy rays that have sufficient energy causing adverse health effects when it making progress in the regulation of to penetrate materials and alter their interacts with living cells when exposure sources and applications that emit non- sub-atomic nature. It includes X-rays, is not controlled. The known effects ionising radiation. Established in 2008, gamma rays, neutrons, cosmic rays include radiation sicknesses, lesions or the Council is mandated to regulate and alpha and beta particles. It is used wounds, cancer, genetic mutations and the peaceful applications of ionising in a wide range of medical, industrial, death in extreme cases. radiation in Uganda to provide for the security and research practices. Its ability protection and safety of society and the to penetrate materials makes it suitable Non-ionising radiation is characterised environment from dangers resulting for applications such as X-ray imaging, by relatively lower frequencies, and from ionising radiation. Its key regulatory baggage scanning and industrial level and consequently lower energies that are not functions include licensing, conducting density gauging among others. The ability capable of altering the nature of atoms of inspections and enforcements and to alter molecular nature of materials materials. Whereas it may be considered developing regulations and guides among makes ionising radiation useful in cancer less penetrative, the energy it possesses others for facilities that use ionising treatment. The high energy property is is deposited as mild heat or electricity in radiation. used for power generation applications. the materials which it interacts with. Its forms include radiofrequency radiation, microwaves, optic radiation (infrared, visible light, near ultraviolet radiation and lasers), extremely low frequency radiation and static fields.

Applications of non-ionising radiation Non-ionising radiation is widely used in various modern applications such as telecommunication sector to facilitate signal and information transmission for radio and television broadcast and mobile wireless telephony, aviation radar, satellite communication, security and weather station systems. Microwaves domestically and Telecommunication towers such as these are now a common sight in areas around the country. There is a growing concern about their impact on human safety industrially for cooking and other heating

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purposes, Magnetic Resonance Imaging the motility (how well the sperm moves) (MRI) for medical diagnosis, walk-through and morphology (appearance). There is and handheld security metal detectors for a possibility genetic damage including Established in 2008, the security checks, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems chromosomal instability, gene mutations, Council is mandated to for internet and short-range communications, and DNA structural breaks associated with regulate the peaceful high voltage power transmission among radiofrequency radiation exposure. applications of ionising others. However, individuals cannot detect radiation in Uganda to its presence. This kind of radiation can be A scientific working group of the World provide for the protection hazardous to human health if exposure Health Organisation’s International and safety of society and received is excessively high. Such proven Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) the environment from health effects have led government to in 2011 issued a statement classifying dangers resulting from embark on its regulation process, to control electromagnetic radiation as possibly ionising radiation. its exposure level to people in order to carcinogenic (cancerous) to humans minimise health risks. based on inadequate proof of a potential accession in danger for brain tumors Progress made so far among telephone users, and lacking Section 2(3) of the Atomic Energy Act sensitive to body temperature rises. The evidence for different kinds of cancer. No. 24 of 2008 gives the Atomic Energy conditions may manifest as dizziness, Council the discretionary mandate (by a headaches, fatigue, insomnia, digestive Many of the suspected effects are statutory order) to apply provisions of the disorders, nausea and cardiac stress. believed to start manifesting in the Act to sources of electromagnetic radiation The other effects include photochemical long-term surpassing the time scale other than X-rays and gamma rays. tissue reactions that mostly result in of the technologies that caused them, inflammation of soft tissues such as the and rendering any later investigation So far, the Atomic Energy Council is cornea of the eye (cataracts) and tanning out of focus. An article on the adverse working on the statutory order which of the skin (sun burns) for individuals with impacts of mobile phone tower is already in advanced stages of light skins such as albinos. The effects of radiation on human health published in development. There is an ongoing national proximity to high voltage power lines are the International Journal of Radiology baseline survey aimed at establishing electrical in nature considering that the & Radiation Therapy in November the nationally prevalent radiofrequency electromagnetic fields around them induce 2020 mentions that “non-thermal exposure levels that will be used in electric currents in the body resulting effects of radiofrequency pollution tailoring the regulatory requirements, in mild electric shocks and imbalanced expand across time and the hazards the necessary equipment (the body charges that may affect the neural are more noticeable after 8 to 10 spectrum analyser for measurement of systems. years of expression”. It adds that, radiofrequency exposure levels) has been “the consequences are not recognised attained, training of technical officers and The long-term effects of radiofrequency in the primary years of vulnerability stakeholder engagements with key MDA’S radiation are less discreet since it has as the body has specific security and operators is ongoing. not been confirmed to cause detectable mechanisms and the burden is on the impairment of the health of the individual stress proteins of the body, particularly Health risks of non-ionising or of his or her offspring. There is only the heat shock proteins. However, if radiation a presumed possibility of occurrence of the pressure goes on for too long, the Health effects arising from prolonged conditions such as cancers, miscarriages, cells are less defended and therefore exposure to non-ionising radiation mostly genetic mutations, deterioration in brain extended or chronic exposures may affect the brain, the heart, the skin, the functionality, retarded growth in children be dangerous, even at very low eyes and the testes as they are more and reduced sperm quality, especially concentrations.”

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Non-health related impacts of Recommendations for public non-ionising radiation safety from non-ionising radiation On the other hand, there are non-health related impacts that result from having 1. Radiation levels from exposures from sources of non-ionising radiation in antennae of telephone towers and other an area. In agriculture, radiation from sources of non-ionising radiation decrease telecommunication towers and high voltage rapidly with increased distance. The safe power transmission lines is thought to have zone is therefore the distance at which an impact on plant growth rate and yield, the levels are below the limits prescribed specifically affecting root and shoot length for both workers and the general public. and the color of leaves and lowering milk If emission levels are higher, those areas and egg production in cattle and chicken should be restricted for access to general respectively. On other machinery, they may public and duly marked as exclusion zones. cause interference with aviation systems, Wireless Transmission and Broadcasting Masts especially during flight, other signal based 2. Fences or barriers should be installed communication systems, data storage to preclude unauthorised access to areas devices (which could be corrupted or where exposure limits may be exceeded erased) and implants in the body such as and warning notices must be posted heart pace makers. around those areas.

The psychological fear of the public from 3. Base stations near kindergartens, living near telecommunication masts and schools and playgrounds may need special high voltage power lines typically results in consideration and maintaining the way- property and land value reduction. This is a leave by clearing of human settlement consequence of human factors such as the close to the high voltage power lines. fear of the possible health effects or merely the fact that the structures are not visually 4. It is also a common practice for high appealing. voltage power lines to be channeled Welding torches (UV Light) through sparsely populated areas and at Current status of non-ionising suitable heights from the ground in order radiation in Uganda to minimise proximity to people. A survey conducted by the Atomic Energy Council around telecommunication base 5. Sensitisation programmes also play an stations in and several other districts important role in promoting public safety. in Eastern and Western Uganda between October 2020 and January 2021 revealed that 6. Phones should be rigorously tested by the prevalent exposure levels in the public the manufacturers to ensure that they places around the base stations were several comply with the Specific Absorption Rates hundred times below the reference levels. (SAR), a quantity which defines the safety The highest value in all the areas assessed limit for radiation induced into the body was 0.5% of the limit which indicates that the induced by sources close to the user. Other areas were hypothetically safe. The survey is devices such as microwave ovens have still ongoing and the research is expected to well known standards for limiting radiation cover all districts all over the country. exposure. Aviation Radar - Entebbe AIrport

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High voltage power lines Remote Control Mobile phones Microwave oven (infrared)

Regulatory framework for (UCC) provides oversight over the and the establishment and acquisition applications of non-ionising communication industry with key focus of the necessary infrastructure including radiation on content and quality of service. The inspection equipment have already The main responsibility for radiation National Environment Management been initiated. There is an ongoing protection and safety of the public and Authority (NEMA) is also concerned baseline research aimed at establishing environment from dangers of non-ionising about the safety of the environment the nationally prevalent radiofrequency radiation lies within the mandate of the from radiation. Section 31 of the National exposure levels that will be used in Atomic Energy Council as stipulated in Environment Act, 1995 specifies standards tailoring the regulatory requirements. the Atomic Energy Act no. 24 of 2008 for minimisation of radiation in the specifically under Section 2(3) of the environment and safe practices to protect Conclusion Act. The establishment of the regulatory persons involved in activities prone to Regulation of the safety aspects of framework requires a statutory order radiation exposure. non-ionising radiation is not unique to which is already in advanced stages of Uganda. Some countries that regulate development. Upon finalization, operators will be prevalent radiation levels in the public required to ensure compliance with the and environment include Tanzania, The industry for applications of non- established safety regulations. The Council Ghana, South Africa, Germany, USA, ionising radiation operates in a wide will conduct inspections at operator’s Netherlands and United Kingdom. AEC range of legal, political, administrative premises and enforce the regulations requests for the support and co-operation and commercial contexts. For example, among other functions. Stakeholder of all the stakeholders concerned and the the Uganda Communications Commission engagement activities, capacity building public to embrace the recommendations to ensure the safety of the people and the environment at large.

Atomic Energy Council Plot 40, Bokoto Street, Kamwokya, Kampala

Liaison Office Amber House, 3rd floor, Room C301 Plot 29/33, Kampala Road P O BOX 7044 Kampala Toll Free Number: +256414696333/5 Email: [email protected] An officer of the Atomic Energy Council measuring levels of radiation emission from a Website: www.atomiccouncil.go.ug rooftop telecommunication antenna at a bodaboda stage in Mbale City.

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1,868MW NRM makes great strides Electricity generation in Uganda as in energy sector of the end of 2020 When the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power in 1986, the country had total hydro-electricity generation capacity of 150MW, but only 60MW was being generated.

This low electricity generation affected development and more resources to be allocated for electricity, helping to in particular industrialisation. It all changed in 2005 when set a firm base for the country’s industrialisation agenda. a decision was taken to invest more in power generation. By the end of 2020, hydropower generation was Defying some public opposition, the NRM pushed for estimated at 1,868MW with the commissioning of the

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600MW Karuma Dam, currently the largest 1986 and 20% (on grid) in 2015/16 to 51% Already, the power from Kiira and Nalubaale hydropower project in Uganda. (on and off grid) in 2019/20, according to the dams is at 1.1 cents US dollars per unit, Isimba Uganda Bureau of Statistics Baseline Survey (4.16 cents US dollars per unit) and 4.97 cents The NRM has also promoted and invested of 2019. US dollars per unit at Karuma. in alternative and cleaner sources of energy, including solar, geothermal, nuclear, thermal Only 20 (about half) out of 39 district The Government will also get rid of power and bagasse energy. headquarters were connected to the national outages as more industries come on line, grid yet today, only four (Kaabong, Karenga, increase access and utilisation of electricity After years of investment in the energy sector, Kotido and Buvuma) out of 135 districts are and continue with the programme of Uganda is now faced with surplus electricity, not yet connected. electrifying sub-counties. with total demand including exports, at 680MW in June 2020, and an extra 1,160MW. The NRM Government plans to secure about More power lines will be constructed in 71 sh45 billion during the new elective term district headquarters and potential growth During the recently-concluded general to supply electricity to Buvuma and Sigulu centres (welding, carpentry, milk coolers and elections, President islands. milling). promised to expand the energy base but also increase its consumption through The decision to build a number of dams to By the end of 2023, when the connections industrialisation. generate electricity and the growth in energy are expected to be completed, all the consumption in Uganda is clear indication of Besides expanding the supply capacity, the that the NRM is a visionary political party. NRM leader’s key promises include: improving transmission, reducing costs, and improving Since 2018, the Government has been efficiency in distribution. working to increase the consumption of electricity by making connections to homes Construction of Isimba Dam (183MW) and easier and affordable under a policy on free Ayago II Dam (42MW) was completed connections to the grid. while the construction of substations and transmission lines is almost complete. Under the arrangement, the Government subsidises the cost of electricity connection At least 14 smaller hydropower dams have materials, enabling citizens who are ready for been commissioned over the last five years electricity consumption to benefit. while another eight are under construction At least 300,000 household connections To increase rural electrification, the NRM are targeted annually under the initiative has constructed over 14,820km of Medium aimed at increasing consumption of power, Voltage (MV) power lines and approximately with an envisaged reduction in the cost of 10,000km of low voltage (LV) power electricity. distribution lines. Key promises for the next five The investments have resulted in connections years for over 1,000,000 consumers onto the Over the next five years, the NRM national grid to improve living standards and Government has a target to reduce the cost spur household involvement in commercial of power, particularly for manufacturers to 5 production. cents of US dollars (Sh185) per unit from the

present 8.7 cents of US dollars (Sh321). President Yoweri Musevei touring the Access to electricity has improved from 7% in Karuma Hydro Power Dam project.

116 | President Yoweri K. Museveni Victory Handbook ENERGY & MINERAL DEVELOPMENT sub-counties will have electricity, a critical for cooking from 85% to 50% over the next According to the NRM Manifesto, the milestone for the NRM leadership. five years. Government will promote a mindset shift towards the use of biogas where it One of the proposed ways is to expand the The Government will promote the uptake of is viable, for domestic lighting, cooking, transmission network to key growth economic alternative and efficient cooking technologies, manure and fertiliser use. zones (industrial and science parks, mining including rural areas (electric cooking), areas and free zones) and free connections domestic and institutional biogas and The Government will also increase grid to households. liquefied petroleum gas. reliability to ensure that the power delivered to the consumers is within accepted The Government will also expand and Part of the drive will include showcasing how standards and in the desired amount. rehabilitate the distribution network including cheaper it is to cook using electricity and rural and hard-to-reach areas (grid expansion LPG than charcoal and firewood (biomass), Key among priorities over the next half- and densification, last-mile connections, especially in urban centres. decade will be the continuous investment evacuation of small generation plants and in electricity infrastructure to deal with quality of supply projects). The NRM plans to remove taxes on electric the problem of power outages, especially and LPG cookers and related infrastructure whenever it rains. The NRM targets to reduce the share of and develop LPG infrastructure countrywide charcoal and firewood (biomass energy) used to make it more accessible and affordable. Completion of ongoing transmission projects, increasing transmission capacity from 2,354km to 4,354km of high-transmission lines and connecting underserved regions will also be prioritised.

The Government will also set out to establish charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in a move aimed at protecting the environment from harmful carbon emissions.

Over the next five years, power outages, particularly in West Nile, will be no more as the region will be fully connected to the national grid, offering a long-term solution to long-standing crisis.

With the procurement process for the 132kV Lira–Gulu–Nebbi–Arua transmission line and associated substations concluded, construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

The line will not only connect West Nile to the national grid, but also provide power supply reliably to northern Uganda through the landmark project spanning multiple districts.

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