George William Nyombi Thembo, the UCC ED
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has clarified the status of Starlink’s operations in Uganda and dismissed widespread claims suggesting an impending internet shutdown as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during a recent media briefing, UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo addressed growing public concern over satellite internet services and the spread of misinformation online, stressing that regulation remains essential for public trust and national stability.
According to UCC, Starlink Global Internet Services Ltd has expressed interest in operating in Uganda but has not yet been licensed. Thembo explained that under the Uganda Communications Act, no company—local or foreign—can provide telecommunications services without meeting established legal requirements.
“Uganda is a sovereign country governed by law. All service providers must comply with our licensing framework, regardless of the technology they use,” Thembo said.
He noted that while Starlink’s technology has the potential to improve connectivity, especially in remote areas, some of its licensing requirements remain unmet. As a result, the company has not been authorised to begin commercial operations in Uganda.
UCC also revealed that Starlink terminals had been illegally imported and used in the country, largely due to signal spillover from neighbouring countries where the service is licensed. In response, the Commission issued a directive on January 1, 2026, requiring Starlink to enforce stricter geolocation controls.
“I am pleased to confirm that Starlink responded promptly and acknowledged the illegal use of its services in Uganda. Our technical teams have since verified that the affected terminals are now offline,” Thembo stated.
He emphasised that the regulatory action has no connection to the upcoming elections, adding that other satellite operators, including OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, are also undergoing the same licensing review process.
Addressing public anxiety, Thembo firmly dismissed rumors of an internet shutdown, describing them as false and misleading.
“The claims circulating online about a planned internet shutdown are unfounded. As the regulator, I am not aware of any such plans,” he said. “If such an extraordinary decision were ever considered, the public would be formally informed.”
About the Author
