Uganda Introduces New Controls on Starlink Equipment Imports Ahead of Elections

By Our Reporter

Uganda has introduced new controls on the importation of Starlink satellite internet

Uganda has introduced new controls on the importation of Starlink satellite internet equipment in the period leading up to the January 15 election. Under the new arrangement, individuals and organizations seeking to bring Starlink devices into the country must first obtain special approval from the relevant authorities. This marks a change from previous procedures, where such equipment could be imported with fewer formal requirements.

The government has indicated that the measure is intended to regulate the use of satellite communication technology and ensure proper oversight of telecommunications services within the country. Starlink, which provides internet access through satellite connections, has been increasingly used in areas with limited or unreliable conventional network coverage.

The timing of the new import requirements has drawn public attention because of its proximity to the election period, a time when access to communication services is particularly important for information sharing and coordination. As the country prepares for the vote, the regulation of digital and satellite communication tools has become a notable development in the broader electoral environment.

Authorities have not announced a complete ban on the equipment, but the added approval process means that access to Starlink devices will now depend on official authorization. This development highlights the growing role of advanced communication technologies in Uganda and the government’s efforts to manage their use during a sensitive national period.