Zadock Amanyisa
KAMPALA – Starlink, a satellite internet constellation owned by the subsidiary of American aerospace SpaceX, has paused operations in Uganda as requested by the Uganda Communications Commission, which wrote to them about illegal provision of telecommunication services in the country.
In the January 2, 2026, letter penned by Ben MacWilliams, the Director, Starlink Market Access Space Exploration Technologies Corp, Starlink, locally operating as Starlink Global Internet Services Uganda Ltd (“Starlink Uganda”), said that Starlink Uganda is not selling internet services in Uganda because it is not licensed by UCC.
“To be clear, Starlink Uganda itself is not selling or marketing satellite internet services in Uganda because it is not yet licensed by the UCC. Because of your letter, however, we are aware that satellite services provided by affiliates of Starlink Uganda collectively, “Starlink”) are being used illegally in the country.” Adding that Starlink has taken action to respond to the concerns raised by the regulatory body in Uganda.
“Please be advised that we have taken action to rapidly and decisively respond to the concerns raised by the UCC,” MacWilliams said in a letter.
He also informed UCC that on 1st January, Starlink implemented a new service restriction tool for Uganda. And since then, no Starlink terminals are operating in Uganda, pointing to the fact that individuals who were operating Starlink terminals in Uganda prior to 01 January 2026 had purchased and activated the terminals in countries where Starlink is live and authorised, but then illegally imported them into Uganda.
“Any Starlink usage in Uganda was without our approval or consent and in violation of our terms of service. Starlink Uganda has never imported or distributed terminals in Uganda. We reiterate that there are no Starlink terminals operating in Uganda as of 01 January 2026,” the letter read in part, expressing Starlink’s commitment to cooperating with the UCC’s regulatory requirements as they work to complete the licensing process in Uganda.
On 19th December 2025, an internal communication made to the customs staff at Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda’s tax body, restricted the importation of Starlink technology and communication equipment.
According to Asadu Kigozi Kisitu, the URA Commissioner of Customs, the importation and customs clearance of Starlink gadgets, communication equipment and associated components, with strict adherence, required an authorisation letter from the Chief of Defence Forces, Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
These events unfold as Uganda prepares to hold an election on 15th January 2, 2026 with observers expressing fears of an intended internet shutdown by the government. In December, Dr Abudu Sallam Waiswa, the UCC Head of Legal Affairs, assured Ugandans that the internet would not be shut down during the general election.
In April 2025, the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni held a meeting with Starlink representatives, Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver. He appreciated their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda, adding that they ‘are welcome.’
