Uganda has granted an operating licence to Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk, marking the company’s entry into another East African market after months of regulatory uncertainty.
- Uganda has granted Starlink an operating licence, allowing the company to begin providing satellite internet services in the country.
- The licence was officially signed after Starlink agreed to comply with Uganda’s legal and regulatory requirements.
- Previously, Uganda had restricted the import and clearance of Starlink equipment, reflecting earlier regulatory uncertainty.
- Starlink is seen as a potential game-changer in Africa, offering internet to regions with weak infrastructure, but it faces challenges such as regulatory barriers and high costs.
Uganda has granted an operating licence to Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk, marking the company’s entry into another East African market after months of regulatory uncertainty.
President Yoweri Museveni announced on X that he had presided over the signing of an operational licence agreement between the Uganda Communications Commission and Starlink, paving the way for the company to begin services in the country.
The approval comes after Uganda earlier imposed an immediate restriction on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink satellite internet equipment and related communication devices.
Museveni said he was pleased that the company had agreed to comply with Uganda’s laws and regulatory requirements ahead of launching operations.
The move comes as consumers in Uganda continue to complain about the high cost and unreliable nature of internet services, with critics often blaming limited competition in the telecoms market.
Expansion across Africa
Starlink has increasingly positioned itself as a potential game-changer for internet access across Africa, particularly in countries with weak broadband infrastructure, large rural populations, and unreliable fibre networks. By late 2025, the company had expanded operations to 26 African countries, with coverage continuing to grow across the continent.
However, the rollout has also faced significant obstacles. Regulatory hurdles, high equipment costs, foreign exchange constraints, and resistance from local telecom operators have slowed deployment in several markets. Some governments have demanded strict licensing conditions, local partnerships, or tighter oversight of data operations before approving the service.
In South Africa, Starlink remains blocked from operating due to disputes over Black Economic Empowerment regulations, which require licensed telecom firms to maintain 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.
