Cabinet has approved a proposal to build a satellite station in the country with the objective to bolster Uganda’s space capabilities in a well-coordinated and harmonized manner.

The proposal was approved in a cabinet sitting on Monday March 22nd, 2021.

According to a communique seen by The Tower Post, the satellite station is projected to help the country leverage space science and technology for sustainable development. There is a lot of space still to be explored so the technology for this is always adapting, this is where lvdt applications, as well as other space-based software, become useful in helping with satellites and their positions as well as the launch systems used during this time. There is a lot to be learned about this technology and as this develops, professionals will be able to collect the necessary data that can help in adding to future development.

“It is expected to increase evidence-based technology information for planning and decision making, support research for industrial development in the country, and improve defence and security through improved capabilities for cross border movement monitoring and surveillance,” the communique reads.

The satellite station is further expected to increase private sector investment in space science, technology research and innovation which will in the end enhance Foreign Direct Investment and collaborations.

“It will improve National Earth observation and remote sensing centres for the country.”

Once the programme commences, Uganda will join the likes of Kenya who have been running a space programme since May 2012.

It’s estimated that the construction of the Kenya Space Station cost KES10 billion (approx. UGX334 billion).

The main goal of Kenyan space agency is to develop Earth observation satellites that can be used to monitor things from the weather to ongoing violence.

Another neighboring country that already ventured in Space technology is Rwanda whose programme was approved by the country’s cabinet in 2020.

According to the country’s Ministry of ICT, the Space Agency was to commence operations in July 2020.

In Africa, a total of nine countries including Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, South Africa, Angola, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe have operational space programs.

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