The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has blocked the importation of Starlink technology gadgets following guidance from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
“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,” URA said in a memo to its staff.
According to the memo, any import declaration for the listed items must be accompanied by a clearance or authorization letter from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
URA stated that the directive takes immediate effect and that all staff are expected to comply.
In April, President Yoweri Museveni met representatives from Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, which is seeking to establish operations in Uganda. The delegation included Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver, who were introduced by Ambassador Adonia and Ambassador Popp.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, later submitted a license application to the Uganda Communications Commission.
The company is rapidly expanding its footprint across Africa and is already operational in more than a dozen countries. This month, Starlink secured operating licenses in Somalia and Lesotho.
“I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda. They are welcome,” President Museveni said.
Ugandan internet users have frequently raised concerns about the high cost and unreliability of local internet services, often attributed to limited competition in the sector. However, it remains unclear whether Starlink has formally received operational approval in Uganda.
Currently, Uganda’s data market is dominated by MTN Group, a South African telecom giant, with India’s Bharti Airtel serving as its main competitor.
