SpaceX-owned Starlink has officially disabled all satellite internet terminals in Uganda as of Jan. 1, 2026, bowing to pressure from local regulators over the illegal importation of its hardware.
The big picture
The move highlights the friction between Western satellite firms aiming for borderless connectivity and African governments seeking strict control over communication infrastructure, especially ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
Driving the news
In a letter to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) dated Jan. 2, Starlink confirmed it has deployed a “service restriction tool” to prevent any unauthorized terminals from operating within Ugandan borders.
No “grey market” access: Starlink acknowledged that while it is not yet licensed in Uganda, users had been smuggling kits from authorized neighbors like Kenya and Rwanda.
The quote: “As of Jan. 1, 2026, there are no Starlink terminals operating in Uganda,” wrote Ben MacWilliams, Director for Starlink Market Access.
Between the lines
Security is the primary driver for the Ugandan government’s hardline stance.
The UCC claims illegal satellite use “poses a substantial threat” to national security infrastructure.
Military oversight: The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) now requires any satellite equipment shipments to have explicit authorization from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Election jitters: Governments in the region frequently tighten telecom oversight during election cycles to manage information flow and prevent the use of encrypted or “untraceable” networks.
The irony
President Yoweri Museveni previously signaled support for the service, noting its potential to bridge the digital divide in a country where internet penetration hovers around 30%.
What’s At Play: Starlink is currently licensed in several neighboring markets, including:
Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and the DRC.
What’s next
Starlink says it is “committed to cooperating” with the UCC to finalize a formal license. For now, however, the country’s rural and underserved areas remain reliant on more expensive, traditional telecom infrastructure.