KAMPALA – Cabinet has approved the proposal to build a satellite station in Uganda with the main objective of developing the country’s space capabilities in a well-coordinated and harmonised manner.
Information minister Judith Nabakooba said this will help the country to leverage space science and technology for sustainable development.
She added that a satellite station will come with the following benefits and expected outcomes: Increased evidence-based technology information for planning and decision making; Improved Space Science and Technology Infrastructure to support Research for Industrial Development of the Country; Improved defense and security through improved capabilities for cross border movement monitoring and surveillance for the Country; and Increased Private Sector Investment in Space Science, Technology research and Innovation
“This will in the end enhance Foreign Direct Investment and collaborations, which will in turn attract or spur development of new Technologies In the Country; and Improve National Earth observation and remote sensing centres for the Country,” she added.
Ms Nabakooba also said this will lead to Improved application of Space Science and Technology to the Social, Economic, Political and Environmental needs of the country while ensuring that Uganda also becomes a significant user and player of the outer space; and Increased Human Resource capacity to facilitate the development of Space Technology in the Country.
