The government of Uganda through the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MoSTI) is developing a National Space Program in order to exploit the potentials of space to support national and international development goals.
According to a report posted on the ministry’s online site, the MoSTI has already established collaborations with Universities and other training institutions in Japan and Russia, for the development of Uganda’s space industry.
The preparations according to the ministry, Uganda’s space program involves training of competent Ugandans in aeronautics engineering and space science which is soon starting.
The document released by the ministry indicates that sourcing of competent Ugandans has began with a call for applications for considerations for a full scholarship program in Japan and Russia.
Students with background of Computer Telecommunications Engineering, Physics and Mathematics have an opportunity to take the country to space under this program.
Since September 1996 when Uganda raised its first proposals for microsatellite projects in a Missions and Technology conference in Madrid Spain, Uganda has been working on several proposals for space science to be introduced in higher institutions of learning to facilitate studies in space technology.
Accompanied by the minister for Science Technology and Innovations Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye, President Museveni and Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions on the sidelines of the Russia – Africa Summit in Sochi last month, in which space and cyber technology were high on the agenda.
Editors Note; Application criteria for the space program is available on the ministry’s website.