Uganda Restricts Starlink Imports Ahead of 2026 Elections

Uganda has imposed immediate restrictions on the importation and clearance of Starlink satellite internet equipment, heightening scrutiny over the service as the country approaches its January 2026 general election.

The directive, issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on December 19, instructs customs officials to block all Starlink technology, including communication devices and related components, unless importers present formal authorisation from the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).

The move effectively places Elon Musk’s satellite broadband service under direct state oversight, limiting citizens’ ability to access an alternative internet infrastructure that is less susceptible to government shutdowns or monitoring. Uganda’s internet restrictions are not unprecedented; during the 2021 elections, the government temporarily shut down online access, drawing criticism from civil society groups, election observers, and technology companies for undermining transparency and free expression.

Starlink’s Role in Africa’s Digital Landscape

Starlink has marketed itself as a potential solution to Africa’s persistent connectivity challenges, delivering high-speed internet via low-Earth orbit satellites instead of conventional ground-based fibre networks. Since its African launch, Starlink has expanded to 26 countries, aiming to reach rural areas with limited broadband infrastructure.

Despite its promise, the service’s rollout across Africa has caused concern he continent has faced delays and uneven adoption. Regulatory hurdles, high equipment costs, foreign exchange limitations, and opposition from local telecom operators have slowed its expansion. Several African governments have imposed licensing requirements, mandated local partnerships, or demanded data oversight, reflecting broader tensions between disruptive technology and state authority.

Uganda’s new requirement for formal military approval illustrates this friction. While Starlink offers a resilient alternative to traditional networks, authorities remain wary of technologies that fall outside their control, particularly during politically sensitive periods.

President Yoweri Museveni’s administration has consistently defended internet restrictions as necessary for national security and public order. Critics, however, argue that these measures are often used to suppress dissent and restrict opposition activity.

Implications for Connectivity and Governance

The latest directive raises questions about the future of digital access in Uganda. By imposing stringent controls on Starlink, the government is signaling its intent to maintain regulatory and operational oversight over emerging technologies that could circumvent traditional telecom networks. Analysts warn that such restrictions may slow adoption of satellite-based internet services and further entrench the state’s control over information flows, particularly during electoral cycles.

As Starlink continues to expand across Africa, Uganda’s approach may serve as a case study in the ongoing negotiation between innovation, access, and government oversight — highlighting the complex interplay between technology and governance in the continent’s digital future.