M7 Finally Opens Uganda Skies to Elon Musk’s Starlink… But With Tough Rules!
President Museveni , UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Tembo , ICT Ministry PS Amina Zawedde and a Starlink team including US envoy in Uganda at State House Entebbe
ELON MUSK’S controversial satellite internet giant Starlink has finally been cleared to officially operate in Uganda after months of suspense, secret meetings and security concerns that saw government crackdown on illegal users ahead of the elections.
The breakthrough came Friday after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and handed Starlink an operational licence in a deal witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni himself.
But State House insiders say this was no free pass!
Museveni reportedly made it clear that while Uganda wants faster and cheaper internet, Starlink must strictly obey Ugandan laws, comply with regulations, pay taxes and respect national security requirements.
Posting on his official X account, Museveni welcomed the deal but warned that internet expansion must go hand in hand with accountability and security controls.
The development comes after dramatic tensions earlier this year when authorities suspended unauthorised Starlink usage in January 2026 over fears linked to election security and regulatory loopholes.
At the time, Starlink insisted it had never officially sold or distributed internet terminals in Uganda, blaming rogue dealers and individuals who allegedly smuggled the equipment from neighbouring countries where the service was already approved.
The controversy exploded further after a leaked Uganda Revenue Authority memo directed customs officers to block Starlink equipment unless cleared by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba — sparking heated public debate and fears of tighter information control ahead of elections.
Now with the licence finally secured, Starlink is expected to roll out high-speed satellite internet across rural Uganda, targeting remote schools, health centres and hard-to-reach communities long neglected by traditional telecom companies.
Industry analysts say the arrival of Musk’s internet empire could shake up Uganda’s telecom sector and give giants like MTN and Airtel sleepless nights as competition for data customers intensifies.
Government officials argue the move could lower internet costs, improve service quality and boost digital access across the country — though regulators insist Starlink will remain under close watch.
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