The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance have dismissed claims of an impending internet shutdown and clarified the regulatory status of Starlink in Uganda, urging the public and media to reject misinformation as the country heads into elections.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Aminah Zawedde, and UCC Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, said false narratives circulating online risk creating unnecessary fear and undermining public confidence during a sensitive national period.
Dr Zawedde reaffirmed government’s commitment to access to information, digital inclusion and responsible use of information and communication technologies. She noted that media and digital platforms play a critical role in democratic participation, especially during elections, but warned that this responsibility must be exercised professionally and ethically.
She said the ministry has conducted engagements with broadcasters and media stakeholders nationwide to promote accurate, balanced and accountable election coverage, alongside public sensitisation through radio and digital platforms. Despite these efforts, she observed that some actors continue to spread propaganda and outright falsehoods.
“Responsible media coverage during elections is not optional. It is essential for peace, public order and national stability,” Dr Zawedde said, adding that online platforms are equally subject to the law. She reminded the public that the Computer Misuse Act applies to digital conduct, including the spread of false information and offensive communication.
On the issue of Starlink, Hon. Nyombi Thembo clarified that Starlink Global Internet Services Ltd has expressed interest in operating in Uganda, and that government recognises the potential of satellite internet to expand connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
However, he stressed that no company is permitted to offer telecommunications services in Uganda without approval from UCC, in line with the Uganda Communications Act. He explained that UCC operates a technology-neutral licensing framework, requiring all providers to meet the same legal and regulatory standards regardless of the technology used.
“When Starlink expressed interest, the Commission outlined the pre-licensing requirements. Some of these have not yet been met, which is why the company has not been authorised to commence operations,” Hon. Thembo said.
He revealed that UCC discovered Starlink terminals were being illegally imported, sold and used in Uganda, partly due to the service being licensed in neighbouring countries. Following a formal complaint, Starlink committed to implementing technical measures, including geolocation controls, to prevent service spill-over into Uganda. The company has since frozen active terminals operating illegally in the country.
Hon. Thembo emphasised that the Starlink matter is routine regulatory work and is not linked to the elections. He added that UCC is also reviewing applications from other satellite operators, including OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, with licensing decisions guided by public interest and regulatory compliance.
Both officials also dismissed a fake public notice circulating on social media claiming government planned to shut down the internet during the election period.
“The government has not announced, directed or implemented any decision to shut down the internet,” Dr Zawedde said, warning that such misinformation heightens tension and undermines trust.
Hon. Thembo added that no stakeholder has proposed an internet shutdown and that, if such an extraordinary measure were ever considered, the public would be informed transparently. He cautioned that sharing false information is an offence and urged citizens to verify information before forwarding it.
He further reminded broadcasters and digital content creators to comply with licensing obligations, warned against live-streaming riots or acts that threaten public order, and stressed that only the Electoral Commission has the mandate to declare election results.
“Sharing unverified or premature results is illegal and may cause unnecessary panic,” he said.
The UCC called on service providers, media houses and the public to act responsibly and rely on official sources for accurate information as the election period approaches.
