Canadian nuclear experts have advised Uganda to slow down efforts to generate electricity using uranium, but the Ugandan government said future economic development will depend on the ability to attract business and industrialization – which is only possible with an adequate supply of competitively priced electricity.
Uganda hired Canadian firm IBI Corp. for consultation on how to generate nuclear energy as an alternative to conventional methods. However, experts said that the country does not have the financial means to explore the possibility of nuclear as an answer to energy problems. “It is [also] hugely expensive – $10 billion at least, for a French AREVA reactor and I am sure that when the Uganda Government sees the bill for any reactor, it will pass-out,” said Trevor Findly, an international affairs scholar at
The IBI President, however, dismisses skeptics, arguing that the most important components to the whole project are: “solid base for uranium” and the demand, which he says are both available. Though he agrees that the cost is high, he maintains that the “investment is worthwhile” because it has World Bank backing – which can bring in the money.
“The world community appreciates what President Museveni is doing to enhance the economy and the way of life for the people of Uganda and therefore (external) support may be forthcoming to help,” he said.