The Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) says it has strengthened its capacity to expand its scope and capabilities to be able to regulate nuclear installations, facilities and activities in the country.

RPA Executive Director Dr. Boster Dearson Siwila said this is why the Authority has joined the nuclear family to drive the agenda of achieving the nuclear programme in the country.

Dr. Siwila stated that in order to achieve its agenda, a robust institutional framework and adequate funding to train relevant staff on inspection and authorization of nuclear installations, facilities and activities will be required.

“The Authority has begun working on strengthening its legal framework by including aspects of regulating nuclear installations, facilities and activities.”

“We have identified trained staff in various fields of nuclear science and technology to build capacity to regulate the nuclear industry,” Dr. Siwila stated.

Dr. Siwila said the authority is working with Regulators in Russia to mentor and help draft relevant regulations.

He added that RPA has a big mandate and will work together with various stakeholders and cooperating partners such as the International Atomic Energy Agency which has prescribed standards and guidelines for regulating the nuclear industry.

“We need to give assurance to the country that as a regulator that they are safe, these facilities can be installed in this country and they can be peacefully and securely used,” he added.