Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development begins environmental and social impact assessment for the proposed 8400MW Buyende nuclear project.

17 August 2026, 8:57 am

By Ali lukomo

Three companies are leading an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) focusing on communities, forest cover, surface and ground water, terrestrial and aquatic life around the landing sites in Bukungu and Kasato.

The companies contracted to conduct the environmental and social study comprise experts from different fields including environment, nuclear safety, sociology, ecology, zoology, radiation protection, and hydrology among others.

They will assess the potential negative impacts of the proposed 8400MW Buyende nuclear energy project and identify measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate them.The assessment will examine, among other areas, the potential effects of the project on aquatic life and biodiversity in the project area of Buyanja subcounty and Bukungu town council. The experts will also conduct field visits and engage communities to sensitize local leaders and community members about the assessment and the proposed project.After completing the assessment, the companies will submit the report to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for approval.

The companies on Tuesday 11th August engaged district officials, including the Resident District Commissioner and his team, as well as local government leaders, among others, to introduce the assessment process.

According to Mr. Robert Kilyowa, the Ministry of Energy official managing this ESIA study, the assessment is being conducted in accordance with the National Environment Act, 2019, and the Atomic Energy Act, 2008 (under review) to ensure that people and the surrounding environment are not adversely affected by the proposed nuclear power project.

He also added that since this is a nuclear project, another unique assessment called the Radiological Impact Assessment will be conducted as part of this study, to estimate and control the radiological effects of the project on the public and on the environment….

The companies leading the environmental impact assessment are Curie Consults, GBN consults and an American company called Excel Services Corporation. They are responsible for preparing a comprehensive report on the potential environmental, social and radiological impacts of the project.

According to the Local Council Five Chairperson, Mr Sharif Mangareine, the impact of the project could be long-term. He asked the ministry to organise a benchmarking tour for local leaders to countries or areas where nuclear power plants have been established or similar projects implemented.He also asked the ministry to be vigilant against fraudsters who disguise themselves as ministry officials while allegedly attempting to acquire people’s land and property.

More than 25,000 community members are expected to be affected and will be required to relocate. More than 15 villages, including Kasato, Kiwantaama, Nawansaso, Buyanja, Karunji, Butayunjwa and Kasaala, among others, are expected to receive compensation.On compensation, Mr. Bruno Mugisha, one of the Ministry officers on the project, said the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) study is almost complete and that affected residents will soon receive their payments

.He added that plans are underway to establish an office where affected communities can seek assistance and report any challenges or discrepancies arising during the process.