As one of the few equatorial states, Uganda is ideally suited for a spaceport to launch satellites into geostationary orbit. Regardless of prior commitments to pursue this program, efforts have often hit the hard side. However, with the previous Ugandan presidential visits to the soviet state of Russia, this could seize to be a paper and pen affair.
The development of Ugandan space initiatives has been largely shaped by that country’s position on the equator. Its history is marked by an early unrealistic proposal for a full-fledged space program and significant involvement in issues of space law. This history has over the years triggered different governments to invest in space technology given the additional privileges this comes with.
In June this year, Russian-Uganda Intergovernmental Commission delegates met in Russia to discuss on Economic, Science and Technical Cooperation. In the meeting, the Ugandan President, called up for an opportunity in space technology research with Russia. The president later on met Russian president in a meeting about exploring partnerships in areas of space science and technology during the 2019 Russia-Africa summit.
He furthermore pushed for Uganda’s interests into partnership with Russia over space technology and other underlying ventures. This makes it quite evident that Uganda is seriously planning to launch a national space program with patternship from the Soviet state.
This was hinted on by the Ugandan Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation at the 2019 World Science Day that was held at Makerere University in Kampala.
Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye, said that the government is investing a whopping UGx 200m (USD 54,000) per year for capacity development in the next coming years. He added that three engineers will be flagged off to Japan for further study and practice so as to further empower the development.
Benefits of a country having its own Satellite
Most countries depend on companies from other countries to provide their satellite communications, and in some cases all their international communications capability is provided by external companies. When a government is restricted in who provides it with services, then the service provider has a stronger negotiating position because the customer has less choice.
However, by purchasing a satellite, a country is able to use their money to buy an international telecommunications resource and then they can negotiate trades based on a wider market.
Wait, having a national satellite could way reduce on satellite internet costs. Guess this sounds quiet cool. Yeah, the broadband internet could be less costly because the government owns and runs the necessary machinery and no third parties.
The satellite’s bandwidth can also be sold to other companies to provide subsidies for the cost of operating the satellite or even provide a return on investment.
Also, building orbital rockets is no longer hard with a satellite at hand.
Another pro is that a country could use their own satellite to dictate what information people get. By making the government satellite the source of the only legal TV service they can manage news and other content to meet the standards of the government.
All in all, a country owning its own satellite means that the country is not at the mercy of other countries prices, policies, and politics. They still need to rent ground control facilities, but the hardware is entirely theirs to do with as they choose. In situation where national communication and self-confidence is clearly an issue, the owning a national satellite could be the right investment.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on Uganda and surrounding towns, attractions, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda as well as being a dynamic news and comprehensive events driven site with content being added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (whom both measure online influence) we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. We were also awarded for ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2017-2018 Africa Travel Awards. If you are planning a visit to Uganda you can always reach us on; info@guide2uganda.ug
