Uganda has imposed fresh restrictions on the importation of Starlink satellite internet equipment, placing the entry of the technology under direct military oversight in a move that signals heightened government caution over satellite-based communications.
The Uganda Revenue Authority has directed that all Starlink gadgets, related communication devices and associated components entering the country must now receive written clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force before they can be released by customs.
The directive, which took effect immediately, was communicated through an internal memo dated December 19, 2025 and addressed to customs officers across the country. The instruction was also copied to the Commissioner General, making it binding on all border points and clearance stations.
According to the memo, no Starlink equipment is to be cleared unless importers present official authorisation from the top military command. Customs officers were warned to strictly enforce the new rule without exception.
The order was signed by Asadu Kigozi Kisitu from the Customs Control Department, who emphasised that full compliance is expected from all staff handling imports linked to satellite internet infrastructure. However, the memo did not explain the specific reasons behind the sudden tightening of controls.
The decision comes months after President Yoweri Museveni held talks with Starlink representatives at State House in Nakasero, where the company expressed interest in rolling out its services in Uganda. At the time, Museveni publicly welcomed the idea, noting that the technology could help close long-standing internet access gaps in rural and hard-to-reach parts of the country.
Starlink is a satellite-based broadband service operated by Starlink Services, a subsidiary of the US aerospace firm SpaceX. The system relies on thousands of low Earth orbit satellites to deliver fast internet directly to user terminals, avoiding the need for fibre cables or mobile network towers.
Globally, Starlink has been promoted as a solution for regions with weak or unreliable connectivity, and it has already been deployed in several countries across different continents.
Uganda’s decision to subject Starlink equipment to military approval highlights the government’s careful approach to technologies that operate outside traditional national telecommunications frameworks. Satellite internet systems are often viewed as sensitive due to their potential impact on national security, spectrum management and regulatory control.
The timing of the move has also drawn attention, coming just weeks before the national elections scheduled for January 15. Internet access and control have historically been critical issues during election periods, especially as digital platforms play a growing role in political mobilisation and information sharing.
While the government has previously expressed openness to Starlink’s entry into the Ugandan market, the latest customs directive suggests that security and regulatory concerns remain central to ongoing discussions.
It is still unclear how long the restriction will remain in place or whether it is part of broader negotiations between Ugandan authorities and Starlink ahead of any formal launch.
For now, anyone seeking to import Starlink equipment into Uganda must first secure explicit approval from the Chief of Defence Forces before customs officials can process the goods.