The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has banned the importation of all Starlink satellite internet equipment into Uganda. The directive came in a memo from the Customs Control Department (CCD) dated December 19, 2025. Asadu Kigozi signed the memo, which instructs all customs staff to halt the clearance of Starlink gadgets unless the importer provides clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF).
The memo reads, “This communication serves to officially notify staff about the immediate restriction on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment, and associated components.” It further adds that any import declaration of these items should include clearance/authorisation from the Chief of Defence Forces – Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF).
Although Kigozi did not provide reasons for the restriction, the decision has raised concerns. Efforts to reach URA officials, including Mr. Robert Kalumba, the Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, went unanswered. Attempts to contact the Acting UPDF Spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi, were also unsuccessful.
In defense of the decision, Mr. Ibrahim Bbosa, spokesperson for the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), explained that the UCC, working with security agencies, raised concerns about satellite dishes entering the country without type approval. Bbosa clarified that satellite dishes must meet approval standards before being used in Uganda. The Uganda Communications (Equipment Type Approval) Regulations, 2019, require all equipment interacting with satellite signals to undergo this process.
“Type approval ensures that equipment complies with technical standards, safety requirements, and spectrum-use conditions,” Bbosa stated. He emphasized that the approval process aims to prevent interference, safeguard the network, and reduce safety risks.
The UCC has collaborated with other government agencies to monitor equipment entering the country. Authorities can confiscate non-approved equipment and take legal action against violators.
Starlink Technologies, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, uses a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide satellite-based broadband service. Starlink aims to deliver high-speed internet, especially in underserved regions. The technology bypasses traditional mobile or fiber infrastructure, offering internet access to remote areas.
The service has become essential in regions with unreliable or no network coverage. Uganda, for instance, faced internet shutdowns during critical times, such as the 2021 presidential election. The government may impose similar restrictions during the upcoming January 2026 elections.
This ban comes months after President Museveni met with Starlink officials at State House. They discussed the company’s plan to offer affordable internet to rural Uganda. Museveni expressed interest in Starlink’s potential to address connectivity gaps in underserved areas.
The ban on Starlink’s importation raises questions about how the government will regulate the technology. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is currently developing a policy for Starlink’s use in the country. The final policy will determine the future of satellite-based internet in Uganda.
READ: President Museveni Welcomes Starlink with U.S. Ambassador