Soroti University voices concern over nuclear project delays

SOROTI - Soroti University authorities have expressed disappointment over delays in establishing the country’s first Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) at the university.

The CNST project, implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in collaboration with Soroti University, began in 2023. It is a flagship initiative aimed at advancing Uganda’s capacity in nuclear science and technology, driving progress in research, education, and innovation.

The centre will house several facilities, including a multipurpose research reactor capable of producing radioisotopes essential for treating cancer at Mulago Hospital. It will also produce materials for use in various industries, road construction, and the agricultural sector.

Additionally, the facility will include a nuclear fabrication unit and a waste management component.

The university vice chancellor, Prof. John Robert Ikoja Odongo, stated that a feasibility study was expected to commence on the 45 acres of allocated land on March 16, but no progress has been made.

This concern was raised during the CNST stakeholders’ engagement meeting, which also featured the presentation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) findings by Global Amet Allies (GAA) Consultants, and the official launch of INVAP subcontractors at Soroti University on July 8, 2025. 

Prof. Ikoja voiced his frustration over the delays, noting that an office had already been allocated for the implementing staff and the land had been surveyed, yet nothing tangible has happened.

The vice chancellor said it was time to take government projects seriously, lamenting that many initiatives either stall or are abandoned halfway through implementation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the project's success, highlighting its importance for education, research, and healthcare in the country.

“As long as I am here, I will advocate fiercely because I don’t want my name to be tarnished due to others’ weaknesses,” the vice chancellor asserted.

James Small Chemutai, the Soroti acting resident city commissioner, called on the project implementers to provide clear updates on the project, which is long overdue.

He noted that discussions around the project began over four months ago.

Chemutai urged implementers to keep the university team regularly informed about developments so they can collaborate effectively and deliver results that will benefit the country and ensure the facility achieves its purpose.

The RCC underscored the centre’s potential to contribute significantly to economic growth and sustainable development, not only for the Teso sub-region but for the entire country.

He commended President Yoweri Museveni for his visionary leadership in advancing Uganda’s technological aspirations under Vision 2040.

“This milestone highlights our commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation in our region and across Uganda. We must be seen as progressing,” Chemutai stated.

Sabbiti Baguma, the acting commissioner for nuclear science and application, said groundbreaking will follow the site evaluation studies, which are expected to be conducted soon.

Project contract manager Derrick Cheriberi assured stakeholders that the project remains on schedule, with bidding expected between 2026 and 2027. Implementation and construction will run from 2027 to 2029, and the official commissioning and operational phase is set to begin in 2030.

Cheriberi explained that the first phase, currently underway, is focused on desk work, as field activity is restricted at this stage. Phase two will involve more direct work at the university site.

“Currently, we are in the feasibility and evaluation study phase, during which we have identified the developer. The next step is to prepare the preliminary safety assessment report, which will need approval from the Atomic Energy Council before substantial work can begin,” he stated.

He added that the design and functional specification documents are complete, and significant progress has been made.

The next step is the bidding process, which must follow a methodical approach due to the complexity of nuclear plant construction.

Cheriberi also revealed that the vice chancellor, along with a team from the Ministry, will travel to South Africa next weekend to benchmark at North-West University and study the development of its research and innovation hub.

He clarified that the centre is not intended for electricity production but will instead focus on research, development, education, and training. It will feature cutting-edge infrastructure tailored for specialised training and technological transfer to foster industrial growth.

He said the university will train professionals who will work alongside Uganda’s few existing nuclear and uranium experts.

INVAP, short for Investigación Aplicada S.E. (applied research in English), is a state-owned company from Argentina that specialises in designing, constructing, and delivering complex technological systems.

INVAP will be responsible for designing and constructing the nuclear centre at Soroti University.