Ugandans will access Starlink-powered satellite internet only through licensed local telecommunications operators and not through a direct consumer launch, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ruled.
In a detailed clarification issued by the UCC Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the regulator said recent public comments attributed to him had been misunderstood, creating the impression that Starlink, in partnership with Airtel Uganda, was about to roll out direct-to-consumer services in the country.
While acknowledging the excitement surrounding low-earth-orbit satellite technology, the Commission stressed that such an interpretation is inaccurate.
The clarification follows the announcement of a group-level strategic agreement between Airtel Africa and SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink.
Under the agreement, Airtel Africa is enabled to consider integrating Starlink’s satellite capacity into its network solutions across its markets, subject to regulatory approvals in each country where it operates.
UCC explained that this development occurred at a time when Starlink’s licensing application in Uganda was still under regulatory review.
In addition, Airtel had notified the Commission that, at a regional level, it was exploring the use of satellite capacity to strengthen its network infrastructure.
According to the regulator, while such innovation is welcome, it does not amount to an immediate market launch, which had been anticipated this week.
The Commission was emphatic in outlining what the announcement does not mean.
Starlink will not offer services directly to consumers in Uganda, and there will be no retail launch of Starlink services in the country this week.
UCC said no approval has been granted for direct-to-consumer Starlink operations and stressed that Starlink currently lacks the regulatory authorisation required to provide services in Uganda, either directly or through licensed entities.
The regulator reiterated that no company can lawfully operate in Uganda without proper authorisation, even though satellite signals naturally cross national borders.
In this context, the Commission noted with concern that Starlink terminals have been illegally imported, sold, installed, and used within Uganda. This situation has partly arisen because satellite signals cross borders and some neighbouring countries have already licensed Starlink services.
However, UCC emphasised that each country maintains its own regulatory regime, and satellite signals cannot be lawfully used in Uganda without a valid local licence.
The Commission disclosed that upon engaging Starlink on the matter, the company committed to implementing technical measures to prevent the spill-over of its services into Uganda.
When those initial measures proved insufficient, the Commission, in exercise of its statutory mandate, issued a formal directive on 1 January 2026 requiring Starlink to immediately deploy effective geolocation controls.
“I am pleased to confirm that Starlink responded promptly, acknowledged the illegal usage of its signals in Uganda, and deployed additional tools to restrict service,” Hon. Nyombi Thembo said.
UCC further confirmed that its technical teams have verified that Starlink terminals in Uganda that were previously active are now offline.
At the centre of UCC’s position is the wholesale satellite capacity model, which the Commission says is the appropriate framework for deploying satellite technology in Uganda.
Under this model, once all regulatory requirements are met, licensed operators such as Airtel Uganda may utilise satellite capacity as part of their network infrastructure, in the same way telecom operators already use fibre-optic cables, microwave links, and subsea systems.
Banking on Prosperity: How Stanbic is Powering Uganda’s Rising Middle ClassIn such an arrangement, the customer relationship remains with Airtel Uganda rather than Starlink, and services are delivered under Airtel Uganda’s operating licence. Regulatory oversight continues to rest with the Uganda Communications Commission.
UCC explained that when satellite technology is integrated into a terrestrial core network, it functions as infrastructure rather than a retail service, a distinction that fundamentally shapes how regulation is applied.
The Commission noted that Uganda’s policy on satellite technology has been clear and consistent.
Satellite communications are regarded as welcome, essential, and increasingly vital, particularly for extending connectivity to remote and underserved areas.
However, guided by government policy, UCC has consistently advised the adoption of a wholesale framework in which satellite providers supply capacity to licensed national operators, who then serve end users in compliance with Uganda’s laws, consumer protection standards, security requirements, and data governance frameworks.
According to UCC, the wholesale model is critical for ensuring effective regulatory oversight and national security.
It preserves lawful interception capabilities, enables enforcement of quality-of-service standards, and supports content regulation in line with the Data Protection and Privacy Act.
The Commission noted that in today’s digital economy, data has become a strategic national asset whose protection is a core regulatory responsibility.
The model also strengthens consumer protection and accountability by ensuring that Ugandan customers have access to local customer support, transparent pricing, and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms.
further allows the regulator to enforce service standards that contribute to a more reliable and accountable consumer experience.
UCC said the approach is equally important for sustainable industry growth, as it safeguards national investments, supports competition, preserves jobs, and ensures tax compliance, while still allowing innovation to take place.
While market disruption is not prohibited, the Commission emphasised that it must be managed rather than uncontrolled, to avoid undermining existing regulatory and industry frameworks.
It added that competition law principles apply, requiring satellite infrastructure to remain non-exclusive so that other licensed operators can access satellite capacity on fair and equitable terms if they choose to do so.
While acknowledging the significant potential of low-earth-orbit satellite technology to improve network capacity and resilience, the Commission cautioned that satellite communications raise complex issues related to geopolitics, data sovereignty, national security, and content regulation.
These concerns, it said, require a careful and well-approved strategy.
As a result, the initiative is currently undergoing a regulatory review, which UCC expects to be efficient and transparent. Where clarifications are required, the Commission said it will engage openly with the parties involved to ensure compliance and shared understanding.
Once approved, any deployment of satellite capacity through licensed operators such as Airtel Uganda will operate under specific regulatory guidelines and remain subject to UCC oversight, in line with Uganda’s national digital development goals.
The Commission concluded by assuring the public that the regulatory framework guarantees there will be no bypassing of the regulator, no uncontrolled market entry, and no unexpected service launches outside the law.
“Uganda is committed to expanding connectivity wherever its people live, work, and travel, while embracing new technologies such as satellite solutions in a responsible, secure, and public-interest–driven manner,” Hon. Nyombi Thembo said.
