US-based satellite internet provider Starlink has blocked access to its services in Uganda following regulatory action by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) over the company’s lack of authorization to operate in the country.
The move comes after UCC raised concerns that Starlink was offering satellite internet services in Uganda without the required regulatory approvals, contrary to national telecommunications laws.
In a letter dated January 1, 2026, addressed to the UCC, Starlink clarified that its Ugandan subsidiary is not licensed and has never sold, marketed, imported, or distributed Starlink equipment within Uganda.
The company stated that any Starlink services previously accessed in the country were not officially sanctioned and may have resulted from users independently importing and activating equipment from other jurisdictions.
“As a result of the UCC’s directive, Starlink has taken steps to restrict access to its satellite internet services within Uganda,” the company said in its communication to the regulator.
UCC has consistently warned against the use of unlicensed telecommunications services, stressing that all operators must obtain approval before offering services to the public. The regulator has also cautioned the public against purchasing or using telecom equipment from providers that are not authorized to operate in Uganda.
Starlink, owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and operated under SpaceX, provides high-speed internet using low-Earth orbit satellites and has rapidly expanded across parts of Africa. However, its entry into several markets has faced regulatory scrutiny due to licensing, spectrum management, and national security concerns.
Its decision also comes weeks after Uganda Revenue Authority, restricted Importation of Starlink Equipment.
The shutdown is expected to affect a limited number of users, particularly businesses, NGOs, and individuals who had accessed the service through privately imported Starlink kits.
UCC has not yet indicated whether discussions are ongoing to formally license Starlink for future operations in Uganda, but officials have previously emphasized that all foreign telecom operators must comply with local laws and regulatory frameworks before commencing services.
For now, Starlink services remain blocked in Uganda pending regulatory clearance.
