KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda is moving closer to authorising Starlink, the satellite broadband provider owned by Elon Musk, following a directive by President Yoweri Museveni to fast-track the regulatory framework required for its entry into the market.
Officials familiar with the discussions say a licensing agreement is currently being drafted between the government and Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, which would formally permit the company to offer satellite-based internet services in the country.
A joint launch event, expected to be presided over by Museveni, would signal strong political backing for the rollout of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet in one of East Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economies.-
Presidential backing accelerates process
The latest developments follow high-level engagements at State House in Entebbe involving Starlink executives, Uganda’s envoy to the United Nations Adonia Ayebare, and senior officials from the Ministry of ICT and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The meeting built on earlier talks in December, when Museveni publicly welcomed the company’s interest after discussions with Starlink representatives.
“I had a productive meeting with Starlink representatives, Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver, brought to me by Ambassador Adonia and Ambassador Popp. 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 at the time.
Sources indicate that the president has since directed the ICT ministry and regulators to expedite licensing, marking a shift from earlier regulatory resistance that had included restrictions on Starlink equipment imports and concerns over unauthorised usage.
Licensing dispute and regulatory shift
Negotiations have centred on how Starlink should be classified within Uganda’s telecommunications framework.
Initially, the regulator required the company to obtain a national telecommunications operator licence, similar to those held by conventional telecom firms, at a cost exceeding $20 million.
However, Starlink challenged this classification.
“Starlink pushed back, arguing it should not be treated as a full telecom operator because it only provides data services, unlike incumbents that bundle voice and financial services,” a source said.
Under a revised approach, Uganda is considering creating a new licensing category specifically for satellite internet providers. This would allow Starlink to operate independently while potentially partnering with existing telecom operators by wholesaling bandwidth.
Security concerns and compliance
The discussions have also addressed government concerns around control of communications, particularly during elections or periods of unrest.
Uganda has previously imposed internet restrictions in sensitive political moments, raising questions about how satellite-based systems, less reliant on local infrastructure—would be regulated.
According to sources, Starlink has proposed establishing local infrastructure, including a ground station, and maintaining a physical presence in Uganda to ensure compliance with national regulations and security requirements.
Economic impact and digital inclusion
Authorities say the proposed agreement includes commitments by Starlink to pay taxes locally, create employment opportunities, and support Uganda’s growing digital economy, including startups and innovation hubs.
The company has also pledged to expand internet access nationwide, targeting underserved regions and sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism, where connectivity gaps remain a major constraint.
Uganda’s internet penetration is estimated at around 30%, with access often limited by high costs and uneven infrastructure coverage. Satellite broadband is increasingly viewed as a complementary solution to fibre and mobile networks, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Regional context and pricing outlook
If approved, Uganda would join other African markets, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria, that have already licensed or engaged Starlink as part of broader digital transformation strategies.
Also Read: Starlink and Uganda’s 2026 election battle: Who controls the internet controls the vote
Pricing across Africa typically ranges between $10 and $50 per month for service, although initial hardware costs remain relatively high, often exceeding $200.
Balancing regulation and innovation
The pending agreement reflects a broader policy challenge facing governments across Africa: balancing national security oversight with the need to expand affordable, high-speed internet access.
As space-based technologies continue to evolve, regulators are increasingly under pressure to adapt frameworks that can accommodate new players while protecting national interests.
For Uganda, Starlink’s entry could mark a significant turning point in efforts to bridge the digital divide and accelerate economic growth through improved connectivity.
