• Uganda plans two satellites for security, monitoring and broadcasting

• Builds on 2022 PearlAfricaSat-1 launch with partners

• Move aligns with growing African investment in space programs

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni announced last week that the country plans to launch two new satellites, as it expands its early space efforts.

“We are going to launch two satellites: one in low orbit for security and environmental monitoring, particularly to track deforestation, and another for broadcasting,” he said in a speech to members of his party in Kyankwanzi.

The announcement follows the 2022 launch of PearlAfricaSat-1, the country’s first satellite, developed in partnership with international partners. The new satellites are expected to follow a similar collaborative model, widely used by African countries entering the space sector.

The satellites will collect and analyse data for use in key sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, land monitoring and urban planning. The aim is to strengthen autonomous, data-driven decision-making.

The initiative reflects a broader trend across Africa, where several countries are investing in space technologies to support digital development. More than 20 African countries have active space programmes, with 18 having launched over 65 satellites. Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria and Morocco lead the field.

Adoni Conrad Quenum