The agreement was finalised on May 15, 2026, when officials of the Uganda Communications Commission and Starlink signed an operational licence and Memorandum of Understanding at State House in Entebbe, with President Yoweri Museveni present during the ceremony.
Uganda, however, attached strict conditions to the approval. Authorities directed Starlink to establish a national gateway within the country, maintain a physical office in Uganda and hire local technical and legal personnel before fully rolling out operations.
The conditions highlight the government’s desire to maintain stronger oversight over satellite internet services, especially as the technology operates outside traditional telecom infrastructure systems.
Shortly after the agreement was signed, Museveni stated that the government’s major priorities were security, accountability and revenue assurance. According to him, authorities want clear visibility into who operates within the country and who uses the service.
One of the key requirements drawing attention is the national gateway condition, which means internet traffic must pass through infrastructure located within Uganda. The move gives regulators greater control and monitoring ability over data flow that satellite internet could otherwise bypass.
Despite the strict conditions, the development is expected to improve internet access for many Ugandans, especially in underserved rural communities where traditional telecom operators have struggled to provide affordable and stable coverage.
Uganda’s internet penetration currently stands at about 30 per cent, far behind neighbouring countries such as Kenya and Rwanda, where internet adoption is significantly higher.
Analysts believe improved satellite internet services could support schools, hospitals, startups, mobile money services and online businesses operating outside major urban centres like Kampala.
The approval also introduces fresh competition into Uganda’s telecom sector, especially for major operators such as MTN Group and Airtel Africa, which have largely relied on traditional network towers to expand internet access.
Before the official approval, several Starlink terminals had reportedly entered Uganda through neighbouring countries. In December 2025, Ugandan customs authorities moved to block imports of Starlink equipment unless military clearance was obtained.
Tensions escalated further when Starlink reportedly disabled active terminals operating within Uganda on January 1, 2026, using geolocation controls shortly before the country’s general elections held later that month.
Observers believe authorities were concerned that satellite internet could weaken traditional internet shutdown measures often used during politically sensitive periods.
Uganda’s decision reflects a growing trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly open to satellite internet expansion but remain determined to maintain regulatory control and local oversight before granting operational licences.
While several African countries continue to explore partnerships with Starlink, others are still dealing with political and regulatory disagreements surrounding ownership rules and digital governance.
For many industry watchers, the biggest challenge facing Starlink’s expansion across Africa appears to be regulation and politics rather than the technology itself.
