Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni on Friday witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and an operational licence agreement between the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Starlink, paving the way for the satellite internet provider to officially begin operations in Uganda.

The agreement marks a major milestone in Uganda’s telecommunications sector as the country moves to expand internet connectivity, especially in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, President Museveni said government’s key interest in allowing Starlink into the Ugandan market is ensuring security, revenue assurance, and accountability within the telecommunications industry.

“Our interest is security, revenue assurance, and proper accountability within the telecommunications sector so that we know who is operating and who the customers are,” Museveni said.

The President welcomed Starlink’s commitment to comply with Uganda’s laws and regulatory requirements, saying this was important for maintaining order and oversight in the fast-growing digital communications space.

“I am pleased that Starlink has agreed to comply with Uganda’s laws and regulatory requirements as it prepares to begin service delivery in the country. I wish them good luck,” he added.

Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX and associated with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has been expanding rapidly across Africa, offering high-speed internet services using low-Earth orbit satellites.

The company’s entry into Uganda is expected to increase competition in the internet service market and improve connectivity in remote regions where traditional broadband infrastructure remains limited.

The operational licence agreement with UCC clears the company to begin preparations for commercial rollout in Uganda under the country’s regulatory framework.

Uganda joins a growing list of African countries that have approved Starlink operations as governments seek to accelerate digital transformation and internet penetration.