Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, has announced that it has restricted its services in Uganda and is not selling or operating internet services in the country, following concerns raised by local regulators over the illegal importation and use of its equipment.
In a letter dated January 2 and addressed to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Starlink said it implemented a new service restriction tool for Uganda effective January 1, 2026. The measure prevents Starlink terminals from operating within the country.
“As of January 1, 2026, there are no Starlink terminals operating in Uganda,” the company said in the letter signed by Ben MacWilliams, Director for Starlink Market Access at SpaceX.
Starlink clarified that it is not licensed in Uganda and is not marketing or selling satellite internet services locally. However, the company acknowledged that some individuals had been using Starlink terminals illegally after purchasing them in countries where the service is authorised and importing them into Uganda without approval.
“Any Starlink usage in Uganda without our approval or consent is in violation of our terms of service,” the company said, adding that Starlink Uganda has never imported or distributed terminals in the country.
Regulatory clampdown
Starlink’s statement follows a series of actions by Ugandan authorities to tighten oversight of satellite-based communications equipment.
Last month, the UCC warned against the importation, distribution, and use of non-type-approved satellite internet devices, citing security and regulatory risks. In a separate letter dated December 23 to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the regulator stated that no satellite internet provider is currently licensed in Uganda and that any equipment enabling satellite internet access must receive prior approval.
According to UCC, the illegal use of satellite communication devices “greatly undermines the integrity of the communications network within the country and poses a substantial threat to the country’s communications and security infrastructure.”
As a result, the URA issued an internal directive instructing customs officials to block the importation and clearance of Starlink equipment and related communication devices unless shipments are accompanied by explicit authorisation from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Force, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The directive, dated December 19, took immediate effect.
Starlink seeks licence
Despite the restrictions, Starlink said it is working closely with the UCC to complete the licensing process and expressed optimism about operating in Uganda in the future.
“Starlink is committed to cooperating with the UCC’s regulatory requirements,” the company said. “We appreciate your partnership and look forward to Starlink’s future in Uganda.”
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has previously welcomed engagement with Starlink, noting that the service could help expand affordable internet access to rural and underserved communities. Last year, Museveni said he appreciated Starlink’s commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda.
Starlink has expanded rapidly across Africa, with licensed or operational services in countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The service is often viewed as a solution for regions with limited fibre or mobile network coverage.
Uganda’s internet penetration is estimated at between 27 and 30 percent of the population, constrained by high data costs and weak last-mile infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Uganda’s move to restrict unlicensed satellite internet services highlights a growing regional challenge, as governments balance security oversight with the demand for expanded digital connectivity enabled by emerging satellite technologies.
