The Geographical Information System (GIS) has played a major role in providing accurate and reliable data to enable effective planning in the minerals and mining sectors , Eng. Irene Batebe, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development has stated .
Eng. Batebe was speaking at the opening of the 11th Annual Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Conference at Mestil Hotel, Kampala.
The conference was attended by among others officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Energy Sector GIS Working Group and other sector stakeholders .
Batebe, highlighted the achievements of the GIS thus ; “Over the years, the Energy Sector GIS Working Group, comprising MEMD, UETCL, ERA, UEDCL, UEGCL, and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), has driven meaningful progress, and through this collaboration, we have reduced duplication, improved data quality, and strengthened evidence-based planning,” she said.
Batebe said the use of GIS will quicken processes and ensure quality service delivery to the Ugandan people .
Mr. Felix Okurut, who represented the Minister spoke about the role of GIS in transforming Uganda’s energy sector.
“GIS is now at the heart of energy planning and decision-making from mapping renewable energy resources and identifying underserved communities, to guiding oil and gas infrastructure.
GIS enables Uganda to make smart data-driven decisions that will support the target for universal electricity access by 2040,” he added.
Okurut explained that Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based tool that analyzes, stores, and displays geographically referenced data.
”GIS combines hardware, software, and data to capture, store, analyze, and display spatial information, allowing users to visualize and understand complex relationships between data and geographic locations. GIS is also a powerful tool that has numerous applications across various sectors to enable them make informed decisions, optimize operations, and communicate complex information effectively.”
