American satellite internet provider Starlink has restricted access to its services in Uganda following a request from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), a move that has reignited debate over internet freedom as the country heads into a critical election period.
In a letter dated January 2, 2026, Space Exploration Technologies Corp’s Director of Market Access, Chad Gibbs MacWilliams, said the decision followed concerns raised by the UCC over the unlawful use of Starlink services in Uganda.
He said the company is not licensed to operate in the country and does not officially sell or promote its services there.
According to MacWilliams, Starlink equipment has nonetheless been used in Uganda after being purchased in neighbouring countries where the service is authorised.
“Starlink underscores that any individuals who were operating Starlink terminals in Uganda before 01 January 2026 had purchased and activated the terminals in countries where Starlink is live and authorised, but then illegally imported them into your country,” he said.
He further distanced the company from any local operations, stating, “Any Starlink usage in Uganda was without our approval or consent and in violation of our terms of service. Starlink Uganda has never imported or distributed terminals in Uganda.”
As a result, the company implemented a geo-blocking mechanism to restrict access to its services within Uganda.
MacWilliams said Starlink remains open to engaging regulators as it seeks to regularise its operations, adding that the firm has introduced “a new service restriction tool for Uganda” while the licensing process continues.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil rights activists, particularly with national elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Critics argue that limiting access to independent internet services could undermine communication, transparency and civic participation during the electoral period.
Opposition leader and presidential aspirant Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has called for the immediate restoration of Starlink services.
In a post on X, he appealed directly to Starlink owner Elon Musk to reverse the decision ahead of the polls.
“…here in Uganda, your @Starlink has disabled citizens’ access to its internet just days to the January 15th election in which we seek to peacefully end Museveni’s 40-year-old dictatorship!” Bobi Wine wrote.
He accused President Yoweri Museveni’s administration of suppressing dissent and limiting freedom of expression, alleging widespread human rights violations.
“Please reactivate Starlink internet access in Uganda so that citizens can be able to communicate and stand a fair chance at shaping their destiny. Democracy dies in darkness,” he added.
Activists and opposition supporters fear a repeat of the 2021 elections, when authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, warning that the current restrictions could signal broader limitations during the vote.
President Museveni, 81, is seeking to extend his four-decade rule, a bid that continues to face sustained resistance from opposition groups.
Regional observers say Uganda’s situation reflects a wider trend of shrinking democratic space across parts of East Africa.