With barely a fortnight left to the national polling day, US-based satellite Internet Company Starlink has moved to block the use of its services in Uganda.
According to the Director, Starlink Market Access Space Exploration Technologies Corp, Ben MacWilliams, the move follows a January 01st 2026 written complaint from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on the illegal use of it’s 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 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” MacWilliams said.
MacWilliams who was responding to the UCC Executive Director Thembo Nyombi noted that the company has taken action to rapidly and decisively respond to the concerns raised by the UCC by implementing a new service restriction tool for Uganda which cut off it’s terminals on New year’s day.
“Starlink underscores that any 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 authorized, but then illegally imported them into your country” he said.
The Director further reiterated that any prior Starlink usage in Uganda was without the company’s approval and in violation of it’s 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” he said.
Towards the end of 2025, the Uganda Revenue Authority in a letter dated 19th December, 2025 also placed a restriction on the importation Starlink technology and communication equipment.
“This communication serves to officially notify staff about the immediate restriction on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment and associated components” the notice read.
URA further noted that any import declaration of Starlink technology gadgets must be accompanied by an authorisation letter from the Chief of Defense Forces – Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Last year, the US tech company rapidly expanded across Africa, with licensed or operational services in countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering high-speed broadband to remote areas with limited fibre or mobile coverage.
