Uganda to venture into space technology

Uganda plans to build a satellite station with the main objective of developing the country’s space capabilities in a well coordinated and harmonized way.

According to Judith Nabakooba, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, this will help the country to harness space science and technology for sustainable development. She says the effort will also increase evidence-based information technology for planning and decision-making and improve the space science and technology infrastructure to support research for the country’s industrial development.

“Enhancing the application of space science and technology to the country’s social, economic, political and environmental needs, while ensuring that Uganda also becomes a major user and actor of outer space,” Nabakooba said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has made space technology and exploration a key part of his vision for the country.

In 2019, the country announced plans to launch its first satellite by January 2022.

If successful, Uganda will join Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola, Kenya, Rwanda, and Mauritius on the list of African nations with satellites in space.