Uganda to Launch Satellite in 2022 -STI Minister
By Adiga Julius
The Minister of science, technology, and innovation Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye has said Uganda is expected to launch its first satellite into space by 2022.
The Minister was bidding farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Uganda his Excellency Kameda Kazuaki who paid a courtesy call on him at the ministry’s offices in Kampala.
He revealed that the capacity building in space development already Started with 3 students sponsored by the ministry of science, technology, and innovation at Kyushu technical Institute for MSc Japan.
“Now as they are training, they are also going to have counterparts working with other people in Japan and also here in Uganda to make or manufacture our own satellite, under this the arrangement, this satellite will be taken to the international space station with bolt module which belongs to Japanese,” He stated.
He noted that once the first satellite is launched into space station thereafter many more satellites such as unmanned vehicles, drones will be launched.
He thanked the Ambassador for his support towards the ministry of science, technology, and innovation since it was created in 2016.
“During your term, the government of Uganda and my ministry, in particular, has enjoyed cordial relations with the government of Japan especially in the area of science and technology,” said the minister.
The minister said that last year when he went to Japan alongside President Museveni to attend the international conference on African development held in Japan, it was during that time that the Ministry interacted with the Japanese government and Kyushu institute of technology on understating of satellite technology in Uganda.
“As a result of our interaction with the institute, Uganda has been able to send 3 top-level scientists to go and get advanced training in Kyushu institute of technology, Minister Elioda reveled.
He congratulated the ambassador for the achievements registered during his tour of duty in Uganda.
In his remarks, Ambassador Kameda Kazuaki said space science gives the
possibility for development. He said with such expertise japan can work with African countries to help them develop.
“Japan is one of the advanced countries having such technology of satellite, so with such expertise, Japan would like to cooperate with African countries; amongst them is Uganda, to cooperate to achieve science development,” His excellency Kameda explained.
He expressed gratitude for the cordial relationship the two countries have shared since he was posted to Uganda and promised to continue visiting Uganda as a private citizen.
Ambassador Kameda is the longest-serving Japanese ambassador to Uganda having served for almost five years.
