Uganda has introduced an immediate restriction on the importation of Starlink satellite internet equipment and related communication technology, a move that has sparked concerns over digital access and electoral transparency ahead of the country’s January 15, 2026, general election.
Under the new directive, all imports of Starlink devices and associated satellite communication equipment must now receive written authorisation from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, before they can be cleared by customs. General Muhoozi is the son of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the head of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
The policy was communicated through an internal memorandum dated December 19, 2025, issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs Control Department. The memo instructs all customs officers nationwide to immediately halt the clearance of Starlink technology unless the required military clearance is attached.
Military Clearance Now Mandatory for Starlink Equipment
According to the URA memo, any import declaration involving Starlink gadgets, satellite internet terminals, or related communication components must include a clearance or authorisation letter from the CDF.
“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 memo states.
“Any import declaration of the aforementioned items should be accompanied by a clearance/authorisation letter from the Chief of Defence Forces – Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This guidance takes effect immediately.”
The directive applies to all entry points across Uganda, effectively placing control of satellite internet equipment imports under direct military oversight.
Notably, the URA did not publicly disclose the reasons behind the restriction.
Timing Raises Election-Related Concerns
The move comes less than 25 days before Uganda’s general election, raising concerns among civil society groups, digital rights activists, and political observers about access to independent communication tools during a politically sensitive period.
Satellite internet systems like Starlink operate independently of national telecommunications infrastructure, allowing users to bypass traditional mobile networks and fiber-optic systems. This capability has made such technology particularly attractive in regions where governments have previously imposed internet shutdowns or network throttling.
Uganda has a documented history of restricting internet access during elections. In 2021, the government imposed a nationwide internet blackout during polling, citing the need to curb misinformation and maintain public order—a move that was widely criticised by human rights groups and international observers.
Why Governments Scrutinise Satellite Internet
While Starlink has been welcomed across much of Africa for its ability to deliver high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas, governments often raise concerns around:
- National security and surveillance
- Spectrum management and licensing
- Regulatory compliance
- Control over information flows
Because satellite internet services do not rely on local telecom infrastructure, regulators may find it more difficult to monitor or restrict usage during periods of political tension.
Starlink’s Expansion Across Africa
Starlink is a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by billionaire Elon Musk. The service uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide broadband connectivity directly to user terminals.
The company launched its first satellites in 2019, and by October 2025, Starlink had expanded to more than 150 countries globally, including 23 African nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Zambia.
The service has been praised for its ability to connect rural communities, schools, hospitals, and businesses that are otherwise excluded from high-speed internet access.
Museveni Previously Welcomed Starlink
The restriction appears to contrast with earlier public statements by President Museveni, who had previously expressed support for Starlink’s entry into Uganda.
Several months ago, Museveni met with Starlink officials to discuss the company’s proposed rollout in the country. Following the meeting, he praised the technology’s potential to close connectivity gaps in rural areas.
“I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda. They are welcome,” Museveni said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
At the time, the government described Starlink as a possible solution to Uganda’s long-standing digital divide, particularly in remote regions where traditional telecom infrastructure remains limited.
What the New Directive Means for Importers
For now, businesses, NGOs, and individuals seeking to import Starlink equipment into Uganda must obtain explicit military approval before their shipments can be cleared.
This adds a new regulatory layer that could:
- Delay deployment of satellite internet services
- Increase costs for importers
- Limit access to alternative connectivity options ahead of elections
It also signals a shift toward heightened state control over digital infrastructure at a time when access to information is especially critical.
Broader Implications
The restriction highlights the growing tension between emerging internet technologies and state regulation across Africa. As satellite internet becomes more accessible, governments are increasingly grappling with how to balance connectivity, security, and political control.
With nationwide polling weeks away, observers will be watching closely to see whether the restriction remains temporary or evolves into broader controls over internet access during Uganda’s 2026 election period.