Radiofrequency Radiation in Uganda

Radiofrequency (RF) radiation provides the backbone for signals which are used by radio broadcast transmitters, television, cellular communications, radio detection and ranging (Radar) and short range wireless local area networks.

1.0 Introduction
Radiofrequency (RF) radiation provides the backbone for signals which are used by radio broadcast transmitters, television, cellular communications, radio detection and ranging (Radar) and short range wireless local area networks, microwave point-to-point links and satellite communications among others.
In Uganda, there are a number of sources of radiofrequency radiation used in various applications. As of March 2022, there were 30.6 million mobile phone subscriptions and over 4300 base station sites in the country.

2.0 Common uses of radiofrequency radiation

1. Provision of telecommunication services. Applications include; Broadcasting radio and television systems, cell phones and cell phone base stations, micro wave point-to point radio links and satellites, among others.
2. Industrial heating and sealing. Applications include; molding plastic materials, heating food, gluing wood products and sealing items such as shoes.
3. Detection and tracking. Applications include; radio detection and ranging to detect objects and determine their distance, angle and radial velocity relative to the site.
4. Medical applications where the RF radiation is utilized in tissue heating during therapeutic treatment of injured tissues as well as cancerous tumors.

3.0 Concerns
A number of inquiries, and concerns have been received by the Atomic Energy Council (AEC) because of its regulatory responsibility, on whether there could be safety hazards as a result of exposure of humans to artificial RF radiation. The increased demand for cellular and wireless services as well as awareness of the expanding use of RF technology has equally led to a lot of concerns related to suspicions that the radiation emitted might somehow cause health impacts.
Environmental levels of RF radiation emitted by telecommunication installations and typically encountered by the general public may be safe for public exposure. However, there may be situations, where recommended limits for safe exposure of human beings to RF energy could be exceeded. In such cases, remedial actions may be necessary for the protection and safety of individuals, society and the environment.
In line with the above, Atomic Energy Council has conducted random RF exposure assessments in the country with due consideration to the human settlement patterns.

4.0 Findings from the assessment of RF radiation exposure levels from telecommunication installations conducted by AEC in Uganda
Findings from the random assessments reveal that the highest total percentage contribution from the surveyed locations so far is 8.711 % compared to the public reference level i.e. safety action limit of 100% as recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) General Public Guidelines (ICNIRP 2020, Guidelines). The assessments are however still on going.

5.0 Regulatory advise

1. The public should use the equipment that complies with standards issued by Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)
2. The use of equipment that generate electromagnetic radiation should be as per manufacturer’s guidelines/procedures and other safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities like Ministry of Health (MoH), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) among others.
3. All settlements/developments should respect wayleaves issued by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd for High Voltage power lines.
4. Installation of equipment that emit electromagnetic radiation should be in accordance with the required approvals.

6.0 Conclusion
Whereas the assessments indicate that the public is safe for RF exposure, compliance with manufacturing standards, installation requirements and proper use should be observed.