National
Kateeba appreciated the IAEA for identifying Uganda as a favorable host for this four-day 3rd Meeting of the Network of Frontline Officers Africa Region Working Group. It is anticipated that this meeting will provide an opportunity for representatives from all the African member states to the IAEA and experts present to share their experiences in the detection and response to nuclear security events from African Countries, promote sharing of good practices, review of recent case studies, and network to promote Regional Cooperation in nuclear security detection operations.
As a member of the IAEA, we have enjoyed plenty of technical assistance and capacity building and greatly appreciate the support so far got from the IAEA, that has direct impact on trade facilitation in Uganda and the Region under the SCT arrangement, noted Kateeba.
“The IAEA’s technical cooperation program has helped us to use nuclear science and technology to address key development priorities especially in the health sector, environment and industry, border security, among others, contributing to international peace and security in the region” added Kateeba.
In the last 8 years, significant developments have been made to install and operate non-intrusive inspection equipment at Uganda’s major entry points to enhance efficiency in revenue collection through detecting various risks associated with the cargo, promote national security as well as detect radiation.
Kateeba revealed that the IAEA through the National Atomic Energy Council have provided vital trainings to our front-line staff on radiation detection and control and they are certain that this meeting shall provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with IAEA and regional partners through information sharing, coordination and collaboration national, sub-regional, regional and international levels by FLOs.
He also noted that as a country they have a lot of expectations which include; Increased capacity and knowledge in the implementation of detection systems and measures to ensure the prevention and deterrence of criminal or unauthorized acts with nuclear security implications,identification of the collaboration and cooperation opportunities as well as address any challenges for improved results in joint enforcement.
In his closing remarks, Kateeba appreciated the support that the IAEA renders in the EAC Region and Uganda in particular on behalf of the Uganda revenue Authority. He said It is such an immense privilege that Uganda receives the support and technical assistance that improves the efficiency of the fight against all forms of nuclear security threats in the region.
