Starlink accused of illegal satellite Internet operations, service blockade in Uganda

*Starlink, foremost global Internet service provider, explains its decision to disable all satellite Internet operations followed a recent directive from the Uganda Communications Commission, regarding the operation of satellite services without a valid local licence from the regulatory authorities

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Cross-sections of Ugandan telecoms consumers, human rights activists and election observers have accused Starlink, a foremost Satellite Internet provider, of conniving with the country’s regulatory authorities to block satellite Internet services, especially ahead of the January 15 polls in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports some of the affected Ugandan telecoms consumers, professionals, and other stakeholders Tuesday, January 13, 2026, blamed the current Internet blackout in the ecosystem on the firm.

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It is recalled the tech company had rendered all Starlink terminals inactive as since January 1 this year.

Consequently, Starlink’s disabling of satellite Internet services has hampered millions of active electorate from deploying social media platforms and tools for  election mobilisation, and political participation in the coming elections.

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Investigation also revealed that concerned Ugandans said they had resorted to direct phone call to least 50 prospective voters per consumer in their contacts to mobilise them for support.

Expatiating further on the rationale for disabling satellite Internet services on its network, Starlink in a letter dated January 2, 2026, confirmed the move followed a directive from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), regarding “unlicensed satellite service operations” in the country’s digital space.

Ben MacWilliams, Director of Market Access at Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, owners of Starlink, addressed the letter to the UCC’s Executive Director, and issued it in response to concerns over the illegal use of satellite internet services in the country.

The company also stated that it had activated a service restriction tool to prevent any satellite Internet access within Uganda.

It further clarified that it is yet to sell, market, or directly provide satellite Internet services in Uganda.

According to the firm, no Starlink terminals have been officially imported or distributed Uganda.

It said: “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.”

Genesis of illegal satellite Internet services on Uganda

Highlighting the factor responsible for the saud illicit satellite Internet operations without official regulatory approval, Starlink disclosed that access to the service in Uganda prior to the current shutdown was enabled through terminals that were purchased and activated in countries where Starlink is authorised.

According to the company, such firms bought the terminals from other economies, and then, later imported into Uganda without government’s approval.

Starlink emphasised that such use violated its terms of service, and occurred without its involvement or authorisation.

The letter also noted: “Starlink services in Uganda was without our approval or consent, and in violation of our terms of service.”

Starlink further confirmed that following the enforcement action 1 January 2026, there are now no active Starlink terminals operating in Uganda.

The firm said: “As a result of 01 January 2026, there are no Starlink terminals operating in Uganda.”

We’ve never imported or distributed terminals in Uganda, says Starlink

Starlink also restated that it has never imported or distributed terminals in Uganda.

It is equally noted that the current service suspension in the country is sequel to a 19 December 2025 directive from the Uganda Revenue Authority, which restricted the importation and customs clearance of Starlink equipment and related communication hardware in Uganda.

In accordance with the directive, any Starlink devices entering the country henceforth would require clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces, effectively placing the technology under military oversight, TechAfrica News report also said.

Report indicated that the timing of the shutdown, coming just weeks ahead of Uganda’s January 15 elections, has drawn attention to the regulation of satellite-based Internet services. Why?

The technology operates independently of national fibre and mobile networks.

Industry observers have remarked that such independent satellite-based Internet services could influence information access during politically sensitive periods, such as in Uganda as of now.

Starlink set to complete licensing process in Uganda: Official

Meanwhile, despite the current restriction of satellite Internet services in Uganda, Starlink has indicated its willingness to engage with industry regulators to activate “lawful operations” in the future.

The technology firm reportedly stated: “Starlink is committed to cooperating with the UCC’s regulatory requirements, as we work to complete the licensing process in Uganda.”

The immediate effect of the enforcement action in the country, as of now, is clear: Uganda is fully blocked from accessing Starlink’s satellite Internet constellation, until regulatory approval cum licensing is secured.

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