Kampala, Uganda – Ugandan authorities have introduced new restrictions on the importation of Starlink satellite internet equipment, placing the technology under heightened security oversight and requiring military clearance before it can enter the country.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), through its Customs Control Department, has instructed all customs officers to halt the clearance of Starlink-related devices unless importers present written authorisation from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force. The directive applies to all Starlink gadgets, communication hardware, and related components.
The decision was communicated in an internal memo dated December 19, 2025, and circulated to customs stations nationwide. The memo, signed by Asadu Kigozi Kisitu, states that the new requirement takes effect immediately and must be strictly observed by all customs personnel.
While the URA has not publicly explained the reasons behind the move, the decision underscores government sensitivity toward satellite-based communication systems, which operate outside traditional telecom infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
The development comes months after President Yoweri Museveni held talks with Starlink representatives at State House in Nakasero. During the meeting, the President expressed optimism about the company’s potential to expand affordable, high-speed internet access to hard-to-reach rural communities, where connectivity remains limited.
Starlink, operated by Starlink Services under Elon Musk’s aerospace firm SpaceX, delivers broadband internet using a network of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites. The system enables direct internet access without reliance on fibre optic cables or mobile towers, making it attractive for remote and underserved regions across the globe.
However, such satellite technologies are often subject to strict government scrutiny due to concerns related to national security, data control, spectrum usage, and regulatory compliance. In many countries, satellite communications fall under defence or security oversight because of their ability to bypass conventional monitoring systems.
The timing of the restriction is also notable, coming less than a month before Uganda’s general elections scheduled for January 15, when access to internet services is widely regarded as a critical component of political participation, information sharing, and election monitoring.
Although the government has publicly welcomed Starlink’s interest in entering the Ugandan market, the latest directive suggests that security and regulatory considerations remain a key part of ongoing assessments. It is not yet clear whether the restriction is temporary, part of broader negotiations, or a precursor to a formal regulatory framework governing satellite internet services in the country.
For now, any individual or company seeking to import Starlink equipment into Uganda must first secure explicit clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces before the goods can be released by customs authorities.
