KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government has implemented a stringent new directive requiring military clearance for the importation of Starlink satellite internet kits and related communication hardware.
According to an internal memorandum from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) dated December 19, 2025 all customs staff have been instructed to halt the clearance of Starlink technology unless the importer provides an express authorization letter from the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The directive, issued by the Customs and Clearance Directorate, marks a significant shift in how emerging satellite technologies are regulated within the country.
“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 memorandum stated, noting that the order takes effect immediately.
While the URA did not explicitly state the security concerns driving the decision, the requirement for military-level vetting suggests that the government is increasingly wary of communication networks that bypass traditional, state-monitored terrestrial infrastructure.
A policy contradiction?
The new restrictions appear to complicate the digital agenda previously shared by President Yoweri Museveni.
Earlier this year, the President expressed public enthusiasm for the SpaceX-operated service, highlighting its potential to bridge the digital divide in rural Uganda, where internet penetration hovers between 27% and 30%.
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Recalling his earlier engagement with the company, President Museveni had remarked:
“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.”
Regional trends and regulatory hurdles
Starlink has seen rapid adoption across Africa, with active licenses in neighboring Kenya and Rwanda.
However, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) maintains that all providers must be fully licensed before commercial operations begin.
Although Starlink has not officially launched in Uganda, a growing number of private users and resellers have been importing the hardware independently.
The move by the URA reflects a broader regional trend where governments are balancing the need for high-speed connectivity with national security oversight.
For now, the adoption of satellite broadband in Uganda remains in a state of regulatory flux, pending military approval for the hardware that powers it.
