KACITA Petitions Parliament to Protect Thousands of Wi-Fi Hotspot Resellers

The Kampala Capital City Traders Association (KACITA) has formally petitioned Parliament to intervene in an ongoing regulatory crackdown affecting thousands of public Wi-Fi hotspot resellers across Uganda. Appearing before the Committee on Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance, KACITA representatives called for fair licensing terms to protect small business operators and secure jobs within the expanding digital economy.

The recent enforcement operations led by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) have resulted in numerous arrests and the confiscation of vital equipment. Additionally, traders expressed frustration over networking gear currently impounded by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), which has left suppliers and vendors in a difficult financial position.

KACITA’s ICT Director, Disan Kayima, emphasized the sector’s crucial role in providing affordable internet access and creating employment opportunities for local communities. The association is advocating for a reasonable licensing framework modeled after Kenya’s approach, proposing that annual fees should not exceed three million shillings so that small-scale operators can afford to remain compliant.

Addressing the committee, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba requested a two-week period to conduct broader consultations with key stakeholders, including the URA and major telecommunications players. During this consultation window, the ministry has advocated for a temporary halt to arrests and equipment seizures.

Committee Chairperson Hon. Andrew Ojok acknowledged the importance of regulating the industry while stressing that compliance pathways must be accessible to ordinary traders. Parliament continues to review the matter to balance consumer protection, regulatory standards, and the survival of informal digital enterprises.

Read more details on the Parliament of Uganda.