Uganda has implemented an effective ban on the importation of Starlink satellite internet technology just weeks before its national elections, which are set for January 15, 2026. This move requires anyone wishing to bring Starlink technology into the country to obtain personal authorization from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
This ban has raised concerns, especially considering the ongoing electoral battle between President Museveni, who is seeking to extend his 40-year rule, and opposition leader Bobi Wine, a former pop star. This marks their second presidential face-off, with the first one in 2021 being marred by internet shutdowns and allegations of election irregularities.
The Significance of Starlink During Elections
Starlink, a satellite internet service, offers a key advantage over traditional internet providers, as it connects directly to satellites in orbit, bypassing terrestrial infrastructure. This makes it almost impossible for governments to shut it down without cooperation from the user, a feature that becomes particularly important during elections when governments may attempt to block communication.
In 2021, Uganda faced widespread internet shutdowns during the elections, severely restricting communication and hindering the ability to document the voting process. For opposition groups, journalists, and citizens seeking to monitor and report on the electoral process, Starlink provides a potential workaround to government-imposed blackouts.
The New Import Restriction and Its Timing
On December 19, 2025, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) issued a memo outlining that any Starlink equipment would require clearance from General Kainerugaba for importation. The memo quickly leaked on social media, prompting public outcry and concerns about the timing of the restriction, just 24 days before the elections. Critics argue that this move is a deliberate attempt to control access to independent information during a politically sensitive period.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine has called the restrictions “ridiculous,” questioning why the government would fear people accessing the internet if there were no plans for electoral fraud. He views the restriction as further evidence that the regime is “gripped by fear.”
Government Response and Global Practices
Ugandan government officials, including Robert Kalumba from the URA, have downplayed the situation, dismissing the public concerns as a “storm in a teacup.” Kalumba argued that security clearance for satellite technology is standard practice globally. However, he did not address why this particular restriction was implemented so close to an election or why it requires personal approval from President Museveni’s son, widely seen as a potential successor to his father.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) also issued a warning against the illegal importation of satellite devices that are not licensed in Uganda, specifically mentioning Starlink. Despite not being officially licensed in Uganda, many citizens have been importing and using Starlink devices, leading to rising tensions over the government’s control of communication infrastructure.
Regional Context: A Growing Trend of Election-Related Internet Shutdowns
Uganda’s Starlink import ban is part of a larger pattern of internet shutdowns during elections in Africa. Recently, Tanzania experienced a five-day blackout during its own elections, with opposition parties claiming that more than 2,000 people were killed amid the communication blackouts. The move to restrict Starlink in Uganda is being viewed as part of a broader trend of governments controlling access to the internet during critical political events.
As the 2026 election approaches, many Ugandans and international observers are concerned about the impact of the Starlink ban and the broader implications for freedom of expression and access to information during this critical period.
