Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has broken its silence on the status of Starlink operations in Uganda, clarifying that the satellite internet provider is not licensed to operate commercially in the country and that all recent actions taken against the service are routine regulatory measures, not election-related.
Addressing journalists during a media briefing on Monday, UCC Executive Director, Mr Nyombi Thembo, said Starlink Global Internet Services Ltd has expressed interest in offering satellite-based broadband services in Uganda but has not yet met all mandatory pre-licensing requirements under Ugandan law.
“When Starlink initially showed interest in operating in Uganda, the Commission explicitly outlined the pre-licensing requirements. As of now, some of these requirements remain unmet, which is why Starlink has not yet received approval to start commercial services,” Mr Nyombi stated.
He further explained that under the Uganda Communications Act and existing licensing regulations, no individual or organisation, local or foreign, can provide telecommunication services without UCC approval, stressing that Uganda’s licensing framework is technology-neutral and applies equally to all operators.
Nyombi further revealed that Starlink terminals have been illegally imported, sold, installed and used in Uganda, partly due to signal spill-over from neighbouring countries where the service is licensed. However, he clarified that such usage remains illegal without a local licence.
Following engagements with Starlink, UCC said the company committed to putting in place technical controls to prevent its services from spilling into Uganda. “When those measures proved insufficient, the Commission issued a directive on January 1, 2026, requiring Starlink to immediately implement effective geolocation restrictions,” the statement further reads.
UCC confirmed that Starlink complied with the directive and that all previously active Starlink terminals in Uganda are now offline, following the deployment of additional technical tools by the company.
The Commission dismissed claims linking the Starlink action to the electoral period, insisting that the regulatory intervention is routine and consistent with how other satellite service providers are treated.
“This is routine regulatory work unrelated to elections. Starlink is being treated equally with other applicants. We are also reviewing applications from satellite operators such as OneWeb, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and others. Licensing is a thorough process that involves evaluating public interest, compliance, and national obligations,” Nyombi explained.
“I also want to assure the public that Ugandans have not been barred from accessing satellite technology. Licensed operators, whether directly or through collaborations with satellite technology providers, will make these services available to Ugandans legally and sustainably,” he added.
On public concerns about a possible internet shutdown during the elections, UCC categorically denied the rumours, describing them as false and unfounded. The regulator said it is not aware of any plans or preparations to shut down the internet and that no stakeholder has expressed the need for such an action.
“So far, no stakeholders have expressed a need to shut down the Internet. Operators depend on data services as their main activity, and consumers have not expressed concerns that would justify such extreme actions,” he stated.
“If any extraordinary intervention were to be considered, the Commission would formally inform the country and its stakeholders. We do not keep our activities secret. Our mandate is based on transparency, accountability, and consumer protection,” Nyombi added.
He also cautioned broadcasters and digital content creators against livestreaming riots, protests or actions that threaten public order, emphasising that only the Electoral Commission has the mandate to declare election results and that publishing unverified results is illegal.
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