By Kefa Senoga
Six students of Uganda Christian University (UCU) have been recognized for their remarkable technical contributions at a national aerospace mission ideation workshop focused on satellite domestication in Uganda.
The event took place at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Kampala and was organized by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, the National Innovation Hub, and the Aerospace Industry of Uganda. The recent workshop attracted participation from leading institutions including Ugandan public universities Kyambogo, Gulu and Busitema, among others.
The UCU team consisted of Peter Jamugisa, a graduate of Bachelor of Computer Science who now serves as an intern at UCU’s Department of Computing, Engineering and Design; and students Tirzah Atwiine and Diana Nansubuga.
According to Jamugisa, the team from Aerospace Industry of Uganda, headed by Eng. Bonny Omara, one of the three engineers who designed, built, tested and launched Uganda’s first satellite in 2022, approached UCU’s Department of Computing to participate in the contest. For three weeks, the students were trained on the fundamentals of satellite systems, including the different types of satellites, how they work and their practical applications.
After the training, Jamugisa said they were asked to propose a space mission concept to solve a real-world challenge. The UCU team proposed a mission that focused on addressing Uganda’s pressing environmental issues using satellite technology.
One of their concepts was to monitor deforestation by capturing satellite images of vegetation cover over time. By comparing satellite images taken at different intervals, the team aimed to detect environmental degradation and help in forest conservation efforts. They also proposed using sensors to track poaching activity in game parks, identifying abnormal movements of animals as potential signs of poaching threats.
Another idea focused on the oil pipeline. With Uganda developing its oil industry, Jamugisa notes that as a team, they proposed using heat signature detection to identify pipeline leakages. Since oil in pipelines produces a constant heat pattern, any deviation in this pattern could signal a leak. This concept highlighted how space technology can support infrastructure monitoring and environmental protection.
A certificate that was awarded to UCU in honor of its exceptional performance
Jamugisa said they also recognized the importance of cybersecurity, especially when dealing with sensitive satellite data, hence proposing integrating robust security measures into the system to ensure the safe handling of critical information.
Although the project is still at the concept stage, the students were commended for their technical ingenuity and ability to apply what they’ve learned to national development issues.
Despite this being their first time engaging in aerospace-related work, Jamugisa said they stayed dedicated, even when things became complex.
“We looked at actual issues like deforestation and poaching, and built our concept around solving those,” he said.
UCU’s Department of Computing offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, with a unique track in Space Engineering, making it one of the few institutions in Uganda developing local capacity in this field. The department has also launched an Aerospace Chapter to provide a platform for students interested in space science and engineering to collaborate and innovate.
Additionally, the university has introduced a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering, with specializations in space science, microelectronics and communications.
While the mission ideation workshop did not declare a winner, institutions like UCU were recognized for their participation and potential. The next phase will involve hands-on testing and prototyping, where promising concepts may eventually be considered for Uganda’s next satellite launch.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
Discover more from Uganda Partners
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
