Starlink says not yet licensed to operate in Uganda

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Satellite internet provider Starlink has said it has not yet been licensed to operate in Uganda.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) had written to Starlink, owned and operated by aerospace company SpaceX, concerning the illegal use of satellite internet services by individuals in Uganda.

"To be clear, Starlink Uganda itself is not selling or marketing satellite internet services in Uganda because it’s not yet licensed by UCC," said Ben Macwilliam, the director of Starlink Market Access, Space Exploration Technologies Corp, in a January 2, 2026, letter to UCC executive director George William Nyombi Thembo.

"Because of your letter, however, we are aware that satellite services provided by affiliates of Starlink Uganda, are being used illegally in the country. Please be advised that we have taken action to rapidly and decisively respond to the concerns raised by the UCC,” said Macwilliam.

He said Starlink has implemented a new service restriction tool for Uganda.

That means that as of January 1, there are no Starlink terminals operating in Uganda.

"Starlink underscores that any individuals who were operating Starlink terminals in Uganda prior to January 1, 2026, had purchased and activated the terminals in countries where Starlink is live and authorised, but then illegally imported them into your country,” said Macwilliam.

In the letter, he said any Starlink usage in Uganda was without their approval or consent and in violation of their terms of service. 

"Starlink Uganda has never imported or distributed terminals in Uganda."

Starlink said they are committed to co-operating with UCC’s regulatory requirements, “as we work to complete the licensing process in Uganda".

'Clearance is part of security'

The communication comes in the wake of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) warning against using the satellite technology for internet. 

In a busy January and early February, Ugandans are set to elect their next leaders, starting with the presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15.

In the previous general election, Uganda shut down the internet, particularly social media.

The government defended the move, saying it was to prevent the spread of misinformation and inciting of violence.

Sensing the same might happen again, some sections of the public have been pursuing alternative sources of internet.

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

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

“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 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."

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."

As of mid-2025, Starlink was operating in over 19 African nations, but not yet officially in Uganda.

In April this year, UCC’s 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, signaling potential approval for the SpaceX service to expand African reach.