This was contained in the report on the environment and social impact assessment carried out by the consultation on the impact of the CNST project to the community. The report was presented during the stakeholder engagement on the 8th July 2025, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and Soroti University to disseminate the findings of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) project.
The underground geotechnical samples.
The ESIA report, compiled by Global Amet Allies, revealed that the radioactive impact of the facility on the community will be zero. The report highlighted the absence of phosphorous and uranium, and the level of radioactivity is generally very low, making the site radiologically safe for the project.
The Tec Lab Geosciences team picking samples for analysis.
Mr. Richard Oriada Geoffrey, a nuclear expert, said data from several government entities and feasibility studies rightly recommended (Teso) Soroti University. He assured the community that the Nuclear Centre will pose no threat to the community and the region. “Even if you lean against the nuclear facility wall for three days, there be no radiation effects on you”
The stakeholders that included the RCC Soroti City, Soroti City official, Flying school and district officials Civil Aviation School among others, welcome the project and assure Soroti University and the Ministry of energy and Mineral Development of their total support towards the project.
The Vice Chancellor in his opening remarks welcome the Ministry of Energy team and urged them not to delay the project as the University is progressing well with developing the curriculum for the academic program in nuclear science.
After the completion of the Centre, the University will offer a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering. Currently the University is in the process of establishing the Department of Nuclear Engineering.
Soroti University will be an academic and research hub of the nuclear technology in the country.
The Research and innovation, regional Centre of excellence academic integration and training and human resource capacity pipeline.
With the rising cases of cancer in the country, the facility will help in the production of radioisotopes used in the cancer treatment, alleviate energy poverty, improve agricultural productivity, and control pests and diseases.
The CNST facility will contain the Multipurpose research reactor, radioisotopes production facility, nuclear fuel manufacturing plant and radio waste management plant.
Mr. Baguma Sabitti, Assistant Commissioner in the Energy and Mineral Development Ministry assured the participants the Nuclear facility will be for peaceful purposes and will be constructed under strict adherence and supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency. IAEA is the world’s Centre for cooperation in the nuclear field that seeks to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
The team field investigators
The stakeholders’ engagement meeting marks an important milestone in the CNST project, demonstrating the commitment of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and Soroti University to transparency and community involvement.