Uganda has restricted imports of Starlink satellite internet equipment weeks before the Jan. 15 election, following the leak of a Uganda Revenue Authority memo dated Dec. 19. The memo requires Starlink‑related imports to be cleared by military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is President Museveni's son. Opponents, including Bobi Wine, say the move raises fears of another internet blackout; Starlink currently lacks a licence in Uganda though many citizens use imported terminals.
Uganda Bars Starlink Imports Weeks Before Crucial Election, Fueling Fears Of Another Internet Blackout
FILE PHOTO: Motorcycle taxis ride past campaign posters of Uganda's President and leader of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, Yoweri Museveni, ahead of the upcoming general election in Kampala, Uganda October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Miriam Watsemba/File Photo
Uganda has moved to restrict the importation of Starlink satellite internet equipment just weeks before a national election, according to a leaked memo that has heightened opposition concerns about potential internet shutdowns during voting.
The leaked Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) memo, dated Dec. 19 and later confirmed as genuine by a URA spokesperson, says imports described as "Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment and associated components" must now be cleared by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the military and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Elon Musk's Starlink does not yet hold a licence to operate in Uganda, but many Ugandans have reportedly brought Starlink terminals into the country and used them regardless. The URA sought to downplay the new requirement, saying governments commonly control the import of communications technology.
Election Context
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking to extend his rule to nearly half a century in the Jan. 15 election. He faces opposition leader Bobi Wine (born Robert Kyagulanyi), 43, a pop star‑turned‑politician who also ran against Museveni in 2021.
During the 2021 vote, Uganda experienced a multi‑day internet blackout — a move that critics say hindered communication and transparency. That history has sharpened concerns that restricting access to satellite internet devices could be used to limit information flow during the upcoming election.
Bobi Wine called the import restrictions "ridiculous" in a post on X, writing: "If they're not planning ... electoral fraud, why are they so scared of people accessing (the internet) during the electoral process."
Political Backdrop
Museveni, a former rebel commander, is credited by supporters with stabilising the country, advancing economic growth and combating HIV/AIDS. Critics, however, accuse his administration of suppressing opponents, committing human rights abuses and fostering corruption. Museveni's government has amended the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, enabling him to remain in office for decades.
The new Starlink import restriction — and the requirement that such imports receive military clearance — adds to an already tense political environment ahead of a closely watched vote.
