They were intentionally stingy with information as they planned for the PearlAfricaSat-1 Uganda’s first ever Satellite (Cubesat).
They gave the impression that it was going to solve numerous challenges regarding information collection in the country.
The overrated Dr Musenero said the satellite would play a vital role in planning and resource management and environmental impact assessment in the oil and gas industry in Uganda. A position I was able to corroborate in an interview I had with one of the satellite developers.
She used this opportunity to take numerous photo opportunities that commenced with the preparations for the satellite launch, all through the actual launch and eventually the bragging rights that ensued.
She got the President to start bragging about another achievement by 4ras in NRM (those who know, know) of getting the country into Space. Numerous apologists including yours truly went around screaming themselves hoarse about the achievement. Like infants who have no idea about the existence of lies, we chest thumped and went ahead to educate anyone who dared listen about Space and the opportunity we were going to exploit. All this amidst a face off with verbal artillery worse than the IDF bombs hitting Gaza.
Little did we know that the overall mission was shrouded in mystery. Dr Musenero and her cabal never told us that;
- The Cubesat had severely limited abilities.
- The Cubesat had a one year lifespan.
- The Cubesat would never dish us the holy grail.
- And so on and so forth.
The question now comes up, Dr Musenero, why did you conveniently hide this information from the masses as well as the appointing authority?
Were you trying to cover up and ensure that the overly inflated budget is not tampered with?
Are you trying to take advantage of our President’s love for sciences to fool him through okugumaaza ?
Late last year, you complained that there was no money to set up the support infrastructure at the Mpoma Satellite station hence the reason for the in-operation of the satellite.
A few months down the road, you are being quoted as stating that the Cubesat was meant to last one year in space.
Which is which dear Minister?
Along the way, you have also talked of launching another satellite. Why the rush madam? When you have not accounted for the first satellite? As citizens, we are yet to see any fruits from that satellite however basic its abilities were.
Even when a bicycle may not be as fast as a car, it can still be evaluated and proof of value availed. Why are you shying away from putting on the table the output of all this dream project? And do not tell us that you only report to the president. This is not classified information.
Online sources indicate that our satellite faced a tragic demise when it dropped back into the Earth’s atmosphere on the 16th of May 2023.
But where ZimSat-1 (The Zimbabwe Satellite) was actually able to receive and transmit data as well as take a couple of pics of their country, PearlAfricaSat-1 was not able to transmit anything since its deployment from the ISS.
Did you ever tell the President about this tragic failure that kicked off from the word go? Dear Ugandans, our satellite hardly lasted 6 months in space and by the look of things, gave us nothing totally.
You go around imposing on every Tom, Dick and Harry how your Science docket is very important without demonstrating its importance. I am actually in support of the Parliamentarians who earlier today chose to chase you away from the committee meeting when you were about to once again begin belching inaudible utterances about sciences.
Honourable, otujooze nnyo (You have really under looked us). Enough is enough of this self-importance that is leading us no where.
As a scientist, I relish the day I will have an opportunity to face off with you on the subject matter that you think is trademarked to you.
Wake up dear Minister. We are not all blind. The ongoing nonsense is very visible to many. However, they choose to zip their mouths. Do not take our silence for stupidity.
Stop making patriotism a hard paper Ugandans.
For God and My Country
James Wire
X (Twitter) – @wirejames
Threads – @wire_james
The Wire Perspective 