In response to a request from the Government of Uganda, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations organization with competence in nuclear safety and security, has secured a radioactive source in Uganda. The radioactive source contained a significant amount of cobalt-60 and had been impounded by authorities following its discovery.

Following the discovery of a radioactive source, two IAEA radiation safety specialists were sent to Uganda this week to provide assistance. The IAEA team checked the integrity of the shielded container, measured the level of radiation, verified the security of the location and concluded that the source is currently safe and secure and does not pose any immediate threat to the public.

The IAEA team also assisted Ugandan authorities in their effort to ascertain whether other insecure sources might similarly be found in the country. No evidence of such sources was found.