BY FILBERT RWEYEMAMU
Tanzania is strengthening security to prevent nuclear and radioactive materials from being misused during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Kenya and Uganda.
The Arusha-based Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is preparing security measures for stadiums, border points and other strategic areas.
Radioactive materials are substances that give off radiation. They are commonly used for useful purposes such as treating cancer, medical imaging, scientific research and some industrial activities.
However, if stolen, mishandled or deliberately misused, they could pose serious health and security risks.
TAEC Director General, Prof Najat Kassim Mohammed, said although incidents involving such materials are rare, consequences of mishandling them could be serious.
“Security during a major event such as AFCON cannot be handled by one institution alone,” she said, adding that police, customs, immigration, health authorities, fire and rescue services and stadium managers must work together.
Tanzania has already installed radiation-detection equipment at some border posts and trained officers to identify suspicious materials. IAEA expert, Lacina Saro, said officials attending a five-day workshop in Arusha will receive practical training in detecting radiation, conducting searches and responding to alarms.
The training will end with practical exercise and preparation of a national security action plan ahead of AFCON 2027.
