“Certification takes a professional to another level.”
Richard Sseggane, Nuclear Security Regulatory Officer at the Atomic Energy Council Uganda, explains the importance of certification and the role of Nuclear Security Support Centres in promoting nuclear security.
Why is certification necessary in addition to training for security professionals?
Training is very important in security, just like in all other professions, but certification provides more. It is one thing to be trained and another to be certified – certification takes a professional to another level. Certification affirms that a professional’s level of skill and knowledge meet the requirements of that field. Certification is the best way to maintain confidence in the quality, ethics and relevance of a profession for all stakeholders including professionals, employers, clients and other stakeholders.
Why are Nuclear Security Support Centres (NSSCs) crucial to sustainable nuclear security?
An effective nuclear security regime comprises legal and regulatory frameworks; organisations and institutions, and nuclear security systems and measures. These rely on efficient utilisation of people, processes and equipment. A Nuclear Security Support Centre is one of the institutions in a state that is crucial for nuclear security.
NSSCs perform a very crucial task by developing nuclear security personnel, providing them with equipment and the skills for its use, as well as developing, testing and establishing procedures/processes for implementation of nuclear security measures and activities.
“As a regulator, I saw a need to enhance the capabilities of my organisation to effectively regulate the nuclear power programme.”
What was your WINS Academy elective? Why did you choose it?
I chose Nuclear Security Regulation because I am a regulatory officer.
At the time we were already taking a number of steps to strengthen our nuclear security regime. The government was contemplating the introduction of nuclear power to our energy mix, and as a regulator, I saw a need to enhance the capabilities of my organisation to effectively regulate the nuclear power programme once it takes off. I thus chose the regulation elective in order to be able to spearhead the regulation of the security aspects of my country’s nuclear power programme.
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
I had a lot to learn as I studied towards my certification. The journey was very interesting, eye opening and, at the same time, challenging. Achieving certification gave me a lot of confidence – I believed much more in my competence in nuclear security. Joining the Alumni Network expanded my horizons – other professionals in nuclear security are now within reach for consultation, experience sharing and networking.
These are great things, and I wish them for other colleagues in my organisation and country. I became a WINS Academy Ambassador in order to do my best to get my colleagues and countrymen and women to join WINS and also pursue certification.
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
Enrolling may be the best decision a person makes in their nuclear security career.
For those learning, I would advise them to give it their best and encourage their colleagues to join. In case of any challenges and queries, they should always contact the colleagues at WINS – I find them very friendly and always helpful.
From the Atomic Energy Council Uganda:
How has your organisation benefitted from Richard achieving Certified Nuclear Security Professional status?
Certification turned Richard into a better, more competent and more confident professional – the organisation gained a nuclear security leader. It was after his certification that Richard was promoted to lead the Nuclear Security Unit. Richard has led the establishment of a Nuclear Security Resource Centre, which is enhancing nuclear security knowledge, and is spearheading the Nuclear Security Support Centre project, among others.
“The organisation gained a nuclear security leader.”
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
WINS certification has not yet been officially incorporated in our professional development programme, but it is largely encouraged. In the near future the organisation will consider facilitating our nuclear security staff undertaking certification training, and then we can make it mandatory.
