By Starlink has said there are currently no Starlink satellite internet terminals operating in Uganda following a directive from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordering the company to stop the illegal provision of telecommunication services in the country.
In a letter dated January 2, 2026, addressed to the UCC Executive Director, Starlink said it implemented a service restriction for Uganda on January 1, 2026, effectively disabling all Starlink terminals within the country.
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The communication was written in response to a UCC letter dated January 1, 2026 (Ref: LA/350), which raised concerns over the illegal use of Starlink satellite internet services by individuals in Uganda. Starlink clarified that it is not licensed by the UCC and, as such, is neither selling nor marketing satellite internet services in the country.
“To be clear, Starlink Uganda itself is not selling or marketing satellite internet services in Uganda because it is not yet licensed by the UCC,” the letter states.
Starlink further explained that any Starlink services previously used in Uganda were not authorised by the company. According to the firm, individuals operating Starlink terminals in the country had purchased and activated the equipment in countries where Starlink services are legally available, before illegally importing and using the terminals in Uganda.
The company said Starlink Uganda has never imported or distributed Starlink terminals in Uganda and that any usage prior to January 1, 2026, was without its approval or consent and in violation of its terms of servbefores of 01 January 2026, no Starlink terminals are operating in Uganda,” the company reiterated.
The letter was signed by Ben MacWilliams, Director for Starlink Market Access at Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Starlink’s parent company.
Starlink also indicated its willingness to work with the Ugandan regulator as it seeks to complete the licensing process. The company said it remains committed to complying with UCC regulatory requirements and expressed appreciation for continued engagement with the Commission regarding its future operations in Uganda.
UCC has in recent months warned against the use of unlicensed satellite communication services, noting that all operators must be duly authorised before offering services within Uganda, in line with the country’s telecommunications laws.
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