Uganda: Investment in the space sector will be a pillar of national development, President Yoweri Museveni says

Meeting in Council of Ministers on March 22, the government of Uganda approved the proposal to build a satellite station in the country. This technological infrastructure will constitute a strategic investment by the State to develop national space capacities in a well coordinated and harmonized manner.

According to Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, this satellite station will help Uganda harness space science and technology for sustainable development.

It will provide the country with access to technological information essential for planning and decision-making for social, economic, political and environmental needs.

Uganda’s investment in the space sector is part of President Yoweri Museveni’s commitment to make it a pillar of national development. It was during the Russia-Africa summit held in Sochi from October 23 to 24, 2019.

The same year, the Ministry of ICT announced the reservation of a budget for this purpose. He also unveiled Uganda’s ambition to launch its first satellite into space in 2022.

In practice, the space station that Uganda wants to acquire will, among other things, help improve space science and technology infrastructure to support research for the country’s industrial development; improving national defense and security through the control and surveillance of cross-border movements; the training of human resources necessary for the development of space technology in the country.

Source Ecofin Agency