Bonny Abal is a medical physicist at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). We asked him about the benefits of WINS Academy training and the importance of promoting the issue of radioactive source security.
How has earning your certification enhanced your career?
Considering the nature of my work as a medical physicist, I now work with greater understanding and knowledge about the safety and security of radioactive sources. I deeply understand what it means to have such a source in an institution and the country as they require a lot of safety and security precautions.
Who do you think would benefit from attending a WINS Academy programme in your region and country?
Administrators and end users of radioactive sources are good candidates for training of this nature. Administrators will understand best why the users should always be heard if they raise issues about the safety and security of radioactive sources. They will make decisions from an informed point of view if they understand what WINS Academy programmes entail.
“WINS Academy training will enable them work with confidence in regards to the safety and security of the sources.”
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
I encourage all staff that are directly involved in the use of radioactive sources to enrol in this course. WINS Academy training will enable them work with confidence in regards to the safety and security of the sources. They should not give enrolling a second thought!
“Alumni hold the light to promote radioactive source security.”
What role do alumni play locally to promote radioactive source security and demonstrable competence within their country and institutional network?
Alumni hold the light to promote radioactive source security in my country. With that in mind more people need to train nationally and internationally. That way, we shall be able to always advise administrators and the government on matters pertaining to radioactive source security.
“I encourage all staff that are directly involved in the use of radioactive sources to enrol in this course.”
Why is international cooperation key to promoting nuclear and radioactive source security?
Since radioactive source security issues cross borders, it takes the whole world to remain safe in that aspect. Countries should therefore cooperate since a country is never safe in terms of radioactive source security unless their neighbour is also safe!
“A country is never safe in terms of radioactive source security unless their neighbour is also safe!”
From Uganda Cancer Institute
How has your organisation benefited from Bonny achieving Certified Nuclear Security Professional status?
With the knowledge attained by Bonny, administrators are well informed through him about the strong need for the regulatory body (Atomic Energy Council of Uganda) to work together with UCI to ensure radioactive source security at UCI. They are actually appreciating the importance of taking the course.
“WINS certification enables each individual to perform their roles while knowledgeable in radioactive source security.”
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
WINS certification enables each individual to perform their roles while knowledgeable in radioactive source security.
