The Government of Uganda has moved to tighten controls on the importation of unlicensed Starlink satellite communication equipment, with a leaked internal memorandum from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) directing customs officers to restrict the clearance of such devices in the absence of appropriate security authorisation.
The memo, dated 19 December 2025 and addressed to all customs staff, instructs officers to immediately restrict the importation and customs clearance of Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment, and related components.
It further states that any import declaration for such items must be accompanied by a clearance or authorisation letter from the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF). The guidance takes effect immediately.
The emergence of the URA memo comes shortly after Airtel Africa announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to roll out Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its African operations beginning in 2026.
The close timing of the two developments is likely to spark public discussion around Uganda’s regulatory posture toward satellite-based internet services.
However, the directive is widely understood to be aimed at individuals and entities importing Starlink equipment independently, rather than at licensed telecommunications operators.
Airtel Africa is a licensed and regulated operator in Uganda and operates under the oversight of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and other statutory agencies.
Industry sources indicate that Airtel’s planned rollout would proceed only after all regulatory, licensing, and security approvals are in place.
URA confirms memo and explains rationale
In response to inquiries from CEO East Africa Magazine, Robert Kalumba, the Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs at URA, confirmed the authenticity of the memo and provided clarification on its intent.
“Starlink, which is a satellite-based internet service provider, has no government licensing and clearance yet to operate in the country,” Kalumba said.
He noted that security clearance requirements for satellite communication systems are standard practice globally and should not be interpreted as a policy reversal.
“On the issue of security clearance, this is not new. In many countries where Starlink technology is licensed, they have had to first get security clearance, among other regulatory requirements,” he said.
Kalumba cited India, Pakistan, South Africa, Senegal, Vietnam, and the Democratic Republic of Congo among countries that have required security clearance before allowing Starlink services to be deployed.
“So there is nothing new about requesting security clearance and government licensing for these entities.
It’s not only Uganda that asks for security clearance. It’s a worldwide practice done by many countries in the world,” he added.
Why satellite equipment attracts heightened scrutiny
Unlike terrestrial networks, satellite internet systems transmit signals directly from space to user terminals, raising considerations around national security, spectrum management, lawful interception, and data governance.
As a result, governments typically require formal licensing, security assessments, and coordination with defence and communications authorities before authorising deployment.
In Uganda, the requirement for UPDF clearance aligns with existing controls governing sensitive communication equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) rather than targeting a specific company or technology.
Airtel rollout expected to follow regulatory process
Airtel Africa’s partnership with SpaceX is expected to introduce satellite-to-mobile connectivity in areas without terrestrial network coverage, starting with messaging and limited data services, before expanding to higher-speed broadband as next-generation satellites are deployed.
Because Airtel operates within Uganda’s licensed telecommunications framework, analysts expect any Starlink-enabled services to be introduced only after compliance with all applicable regulatory and security requirements.
The URA directive, therefore, is believed to draw a clear distinction between unregulated private imports and structured, regulator-approved telecommunications deployments.
Balancing innovation and oversight
Taken together, the developments highlight the government’s broader approach of balancing openness to new digital technologies with regulatory oversight and national security considerations.
As satellite-based connectivity solutions expand across Africa, regulators are increasingly moving to ensure that deployment aligns with local laws, security protocols, and licensing regimes.
Uganda’s position reflects a similar approach taken in several other markets where Starlink services are under review or in the process of approval.
For now, the government’s move appears focused on orderly regulation rather than restriction, with future satellite connectivity services expected to proceed within a defined regulatory framework once the necessary approvals are secured.