Uganda requires army authorization for the importation of Starlink equipment

In a memo dated December 19, 2025, the government states that the communication equipment requires written authorization from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) before the devices can be cleared through customs.

"This communication serves to officially notify staff about the immediate restriction on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment, and associated components," the memorandum read, adding that the directive takes effect immediately.

The directive comes 24 days before Uganda’s January 2026 general election. 

During the 2021 general election, the government shut down the internet and social media platforms nationwide, citing security concerns.

The restriction comes several months after President Yoweri Museveni said that he had a "productive meeting" with the representatives of tech billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink, which was looking to establish a presence in the East African country. 

"I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda. They are welcome," Museveni said on X.

Starlink is a satellite-based broadband internet service operated by Starlink Services, a subsidiary of the American aerospace company SpaceX.

The government has not publicly explained the reason for the restriction or why authorisation has been placed under military command. 

It remains unclear how long the restriction will remain in force or whether it forms part of broader negotiations between the Ugandan authorities and Starlink ahead of any formal market entry.

However, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) spokesperson Robert Kalumba has stressed that security clearance and government licensing for certain technologies is standard global practice.

“There is nothing new about requesting security clearance and government licensing for certain entities and commodities,” Kalumba said. 

“It’s not only Uganda that asks for security clearance. It’s a worldwide practice done by many countries. So let’s not create a storm in a teacup.”

Kalumba explained that the importation of sensitive or controlled communication equipment is globally regulated through strict licensing regimes, product-specific certifications, and security vetting overseen by customs authorities and specialised government agencies.

He noted that such measures are intended to safeguard national security by preventing sensitive communication technologies from being misused or falling into the wrong hands.