The Buruli Cultural leadership has raised concerns over a lack of clarity surrounding the government’s planned 7,200-megawatt nuclear power plant in Nakasongola District.
Isabaruli Mwogezi Butamanya, the cultural leader, said the limited information available to the public has created uncertainty among local communities, leaders, and the cultural institution itself.
‘We don’t have the answer to the many questions raised regarding the planned nuclear plant at Kasenyi parish including the actual size of the land planned for the project among many other issues. It’s upon the government to address the concerns,’ he said on December 10 during his 21st coronation anniversary at Kibira Village in Nakasongola Town Council.
Butamanya welcomed development projects that improve livelihoods but cautioned his subjects to guard their cultural heritage.
‘Nobody will help you build and love your culture. You should ensure that you jealously guard your culture and language from disintegration,’ he added.
Local leaders have been actively seeking clarification even as Nakasongola County MP Noah Mutebi and LC5 Chairperson Sam Kigula confirmed that a district delegation had engaged the Office of the Prime Minister over the nuclear plant concerns.
‘The Prime Minister Ms Robinah Nabbanja together with the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development will be in Nakasongola District to interact and possibly give more information about the planned nuclear plant very soon. We hope the fears and concerns will be addressed,’ Mutebi said at the coronation event.
Public Service Minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa, delivering President Museveni’s message, noted that officials are coordinating an engagement meeting with local stakeholders.
‘The Prime Minister together with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development will be in Nakasongola for purposes of meeting the stakeholders about the nuclear project. We should not mix the nuclear project with the ongoing political campaigns as people of Nakasongola District,’ he added.
On his part, Buruli Cultural Institution Prime Minister Samuel Kasirye emphasized that key cultural sites, including Kageri Hill in Nakasongola Town Council, have already been secured for cultural tourism.
The nuclear project, slated for Kisenyi Parish in Kalungi Sub-county, will be Uganda’s second-largest.
Reports indicate that approximately 300 households may be displaced from an area covering about 3,000 hectares.
Officials say the site offers ideal geological conditions, reliable cooling waters from Lake Kyoga, and no known seismic or volcanic risks.
The project is also expected to include social service improvements such as enhanced road networks.