July 1, 2025, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) to discuss a potential partnership for the establishment of the National Nuclear Fuel Resources Analytical Laboratory. This visit marks a significant step towards advancing Uganda’s sustainable development of nuclear fuel resources and aligns perfectly with MUST’s mandate to promote quality higher education in science and technology for national development.
Composition of the teams
The MUST team included members of top management, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology along with his faculty and staff, and faculty from the Faculty of Science’s Department of Chemistry.
While the MEMD team, comprised of Mr. Thomas Ocilaje, Senior Energy Officer for Radioactive Waste; Mr. Robert Kilyowa, Energy Officer for Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste; and Mr. Eddy Benjamin Akena, Energy Officer for Nuclear Energy, was warmly welcomed by MUST’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Pauline Byakika-Kibwika. Professor Byakika-Kibwika provided a brief overview of the university’s background and its commitment to fostering scientific and technological advancements.
Mr. Eddy Benjamin Akena articulated the purpose of their visit, explaining that the Ministry, through its Department of Nuclear Energy, plans to establish the National Nuclear Fuel Resources Analytical Laboratory. This vital facility aims to support Uganda’s nuclear power programs by aiding uranium production and providing advanced analytical capabilities for various institutions and industries across the country. These facilities will be crucial for supporting training, research and development, and quality control.
Mr. Akena highlighted that MUST was one of five public universities, including Makerere, Kyambogo, Busoga, and Busitema, being visited to assess their potential to host the facility. The Ministry’s primary objective was to determine if MUST could offer suitable land for the laboratory, in which case a site visit would be requested.
The presentation was followed by an insightful overview from Mr. Thomas Ocilaje, who detailed the pre-feasibility studies already conducted for the proposed laboratory.
Professor Byakika-Kibwika enthusiastically welcomed the initiative, suggesting an immediate question and answer session. She then asked the University Engineer, Achilles Byabashaija, to present the Kihumuro site map, showcasing MUST’s potential to host the facility.
She pledged MUST’s full support for the project but requested time to consult with the University Council for discussion and feedback to the Ministry team. The meeting concluded with the Ministry team sharing souvenirs with the MUST delegation, expressing their appreciation for the warm hospitality.
This potential collaboration between MUST and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development underscores the University’s dedication to its core mandate: “To promote quality higher education for national integration and development through teaching of science and technology for promotion of the political, economic and social development of Uganda and the needs aspirations of the Republic of Uganda.” By potentially hosting the National Nuclear Fuel Resources Analytical Laboratory, MUST would directly contribute to Uganda’s energy future, research capabilities, and human resource development in critical scientific fields.
