Starlink accepts govt request to block Ugandan users ahead of polls

US-based satellite internet company Starlink has moved to block the use of its services in Uganda, following directives from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

Starlink, which is locally represented by Starlink Global Internet Services Uganda Ltd (Starlink Uganda), says its satellite internet services have been operating illegally in the country because its Ugandan subsidiary has not yet been licensed to sell or market them.

In a letter to UCC dated January 1, 2026, Ben MacWilliams, Director for Market Access at Space Exploration Technologies Corp, clarified that Starlink Uganda has never sold, marketed, imported, or distributed Starlink terminals in the country.

He explained that while some individuals were using Starlink in the country, those terminals had been purchased and activated in countries where the service is authorised, then illegally imported into Uganda.

"Starlink Uganda has never sold, marketed, imported, or distributed Starlink terminals in the country," MacWilliams said. "The company is committed to complying with Ugandan regulations and is working with authorities to finalise the licensing process."

As a result of concerns raised by UCC, Starlink implemented a new service restriction tool for Uganda on January 1, 2026. The company says that, following this action, there are currently no active Starlink terminals operating within Uganda.

The development follows a leaked memo issued on December 19, 2025, by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). Signed by Commissioner for Customs Asadu Kigozi Kisitu, the memo instructed customs officers to restrict the importation and clearance of Starlink communication equipment unless accompanied by a clearance letter from the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

The directive sparked public debate and concern, particularly over why the UPDF leadership, currently under Muhoozi Kainerugaba, would be involved in approving the importation of civilian communication equipment. Many Ugandans interpreted the move as part of broader efforts to control information flow ahead of the mid-January general elections, amid fears of a potential internet shutdown or restrictions.

Starlink has since emphasized that any prior use of its services in Uganda was unauthorized, in violation of its terms of service, and occurred before the completion of regulatory licensing. The company says it is continuing to engage with authorities to finalise the licensing process before any lawful rollout of services can take place.

Meanwhile, fears of an internet blackout have driven political activists and sections of the public to seek alternative communication tools.

One of the most discussed options is Bitchat, a peer-to-peer encrypted messaging application that operates without internet access. Bitchat allows users to communicate via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, enabling message transmission without mobile data, cellular networks, user accounts, or centralised servers, features that have made it attractive during periods of digital uncertainty.