Army warns against Starlink Internet as URA restricts component importation

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The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has warned against using Elon Musk's Starlink technology.

The development follows Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) restricting the importation of Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment and associated components without clearance from the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

URA commissioner of customs Hajji Asadu Kigozi Kisitu, in a letter to all customs staff dated December 19, 2025, says the restriction takes effect immediately, and all staff are expected to adhere to it.

Acting director of defence public information of the army, Col. Chris Magezi, defended the requirement of CDF to clear the Starlink technology in Uganda and said this had no connection with allegations of Internet restriction as the country heads towards general elections.

“Clearance is part of security. CDF is the head of security and chairperson of the inter-agency security. Anything that needs security will ordinarily have to be cleared by him,” Magezi told New Vision Online on December 23, 2025.

“This has nothing to do with alleged Internet restrictions as we head towards general elections. Has it even been licensed to operate in Uganda? It is illegal,” Magezi said.

Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) director of corporate affairs Fred Otunnu said Starlink was not licensed to operate in Uganda. 

“They are not yet licensed here. We are not officially aware of people using it here,” Otunnu said.

Starlink Mini is a compact, portable kit that can easily fit in a backpack, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet on the go. It includes a built-in WiFi router, lower power consumption, DC power input, and max download speeds over 100 Mbps.

Elon Musk's trust holds a significant equity stake (about 54%) in SpaceX, giving him ultimate control of Starlink. Other major investors in SpaceX (and thus Starlink) include financial entities like Sequoia Capital and Alphabet. Starlink operates as Starlink Services, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SpaceX.

How it works

Starlink uses a massive constellation of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to provide high-speed internet. As of mid-2025, Starlink was operating in over 19 African nations, but not yet officially in Uganda.

In April this year, UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo confirmed they had held an engagement with Starlink, who were applying for a licence to offer satellite internet in Uganda, aiming to provide high-speed connectivity to underserved areas.

This was after representatives of Starlink met President Yoweri Museveni, signalling potential approval for the SpaceX service to expand African reach.