telecom 15 May 2026 State House (Uganda)
Starlink Officially Licensed to Operate in Uganda, Boosting Telecom Sector
President Yoweri Museveni witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and operational licence agreement between the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Starlink, paving the way for the satellite internet provider's entry into the Ugandan market. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/president-museveni-witnesses-signing-of-starlink-licence-agreement-marking-entry-into-ugandas-telecom-sector
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over the official signing of an agreement that grants Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, a license to operate in Uganda’s telecommunications sector. The signing ceremony, held at State House Entebbe, saw the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) finalize its pact with the satellite internet provider.
This landmark agreement was formally executed by UCC’s Executive Director, Mr. George William Nyombi Thembo, and Starlink/SpaceX representative, Mr. Ryan Goodnight. The pact establishes a regulatory framework for Starlink’s services within the country.
President Museveni expressed his satisfaction with the development, emphasizing the government’s focus on security, revenue assurance, and transparency within the telecommunications industry. He stated the importance of knowing the operations and customer base of telecom companies.
Following the signing, Starlink received its operational certificate from the UCC, outlining requirements for compliance with national standards. The licensing mandates the establishment of a national gateway, a physical presence in Uganda, and an operational office staffed with technical and legal personnel.
Mr. Goodnight highlighted the agreement as a significant step towards increasing affordable internet access across Uganda. He expressed Starlink’s commitment to lowering internet costs, fostering digital economy participation, and complying with Ugandan laws. The company also intends to support the education and health sectors through donations of internet connectivity devices to select facilities.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, confirmed that the provisional license follows extensive consultations to ensure Starlink’s adherence to Uganda’s regulatory framework, including device registration and maintaining a local operational office.
This licensing underscores Uganda’s dedication to enhancing digital connectivity while upholding national interests and strengthening regulatory oversight in the telecom sector.
Source: State House (Uganda)