Entebbe, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | In a meeting at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni met with Polish businessman Mariusz Lwanski, the Chairman of Prometheus. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of setting up a manufacturing hub for modern technology systems, particularly Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, in Uganda.
Accompanying Mr. Lwanski was Ambassador Rosa Malango, the former United Nations Resident Coordinator for Uganda. Malango, who now serves as Chairperson of Tumaini African Knowledge Centre (TAKC), has previously brought potential investors to meet President Museveni. Also present were other members of the delegation, including Mr. Alex Szkaradek, the Director of Prometheus.
During the meeting, Mr. Lwanski expressed his interest in establishing a manufacturing hub in Uganda for UAVs. He highlighted the various applications of drones, including their use in security, monitoring and inspecting forests, critical infrastructure, life rescue operations, fire services, fishing in water bodies, and agriculture. He emphasized Prometheus’ goal of making Uganda a hub for the manufacture of modern high-tech equipment in the region and Africa.
President Museveni welcomed the potential investment and assured his support for the plan. However, it is worth noting that Prometheus, founded in 2019, does not have a significant track record in drone manufacturing. The company’s website does not provide details on recent partnerships or exports of UAVs from Poland.
The use of UAVs has become increasingly popular due to their versatility in carrying out tasks such as remote sensing, monitoring, courier delivery, and medical supply transportation. A UAV typically consists of an aircraft without a pilot, a remote pilot station, a command-and-control link, and a payload specific to its intended application/operation.
In Uganda, strict regulations govern the operation of drones. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates drones under the statutory instruments 2020 No.23, known as the Civil Aviation Authority (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020. Any individual looking to operate a drone in Uganda must register with the CAA and adhere to the Uganda Communications Commission’s requirements for radio frequency spectrum usage.
The meeting at State House was attended by Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, TAKC Board Member Ms. Rose Birungi, and other officials.
Definitions:
– UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, commonly known as a drone.
– UAS: Unmanned Aerial System, another term for a drone.
– RPAS: Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, an alternative term for a drone.
– Payload: Equipment or instruments carried by a drone for specific purposes.
Sources:
– Statutory instruments 2020 No.23, the Civil Aviation Authority (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020.
– Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
– Uganda Communications Commission.
