The effect of water addition on the complete oxidation of benzene and propane VOCs by uranium oxide catalysts has been investigated. Benzene oxidation was studied using a silica supported U3O8 catalyst. Complete oxidation is promoted by the addition of 2.6% water compared with the reactivity when no water is added to the reactant feed. Increasing the water concentration to 12.1% resulted in a suppression of oxidation activity. Investigation of propane oxidation using U3O8 shows a dramatic promotion of activity. Propane conversion was ca. 50% at 600degreesC without added water, whilst it increased to 100% at 400degreesC with the addition of 2.6% water. A comparison of oxidation activity has been made with Mn2O3, an oxide recognised for complete oxidation. In contrast to the U3O8 catalysts the addition of 2.6% water suppresses the activity of Mn2O3. In situ powder X-ray diffraction studies showed that the bulk U3O8 structure was stable under all the reaction conditions;. The origin of the increased activity is not clear but may be due to modification of the catalyst surface and the contribution from new reaction pathways such as steam reforming.