The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has moved to clarify the status of Starlink internet services in Uganda while issuing a stern warning against the spread of fake news and misinformation as the country heads into the critical election period.
Addressing the media at the Uganda Media Centre, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Aminah Zawedde, together with UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, tackled growing public speculation surrounding Starlink operations and rumours of an impending internet shutdown.
Dr Zawedde dismissed circulating claims suggesting that government plans to shut down the internet during elections, branding them false, misleading, and dangerous
“The Government has not announced or implemented any internet shutdown,” she said, warning that such misinformation creates unnecessary fear, undermines public confidence, and heightens tension during a sensitive national moment.
She emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected, online platforms are not above the law, noting that the Computer Misuse Act applies fully to digital spaces.
Clarifying Starlink’s status, Hon. Nyombi Thembo explained that although Starlink Global Internet Services Ltd has expressed interest in operating in Uganda, the company has not yet met all licensing requirements under the Uganda Communications Act.
“No individual or company—local or foreign can provide communication services in Uganda without UCC approval,” Thembo stressed, adding that Uganda operates a technology-neutral licensing regime that applies equally to all providers.
He revealed that Starlink terminals were illegally imported and used in Uganda, largely due to cross-border satellite signal spillovers from neighbouring countries where the service is licensed.
Following a formal complaint, Starlink reportedly implemented geolocation controls and froze active terminals operating illegally within Uganda.
UCC was quick to clarify that the Starlink matter is routine regulatory enforcement and has nothing to do with the elections.
Thembo also disclosed that UCC is reviewing applications from other satellite providers, including OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
Both officials urged journalists, broadcasters, and digital content creators to exercise professionalism and responsibility, cautioning against:
Spreading unverified information
Live-streaming riots or unrest.
Publishing premature or unofficial election results
“The Electoral Commission is the only body mandated to announce election results,” Thembo warned, adding that sharing unverified results is illegal and dangerous.
UCC called on the public to verify information before sharing, reminding citizens that forwarding false information is an offence under the law.
As election day approaches, authorities insist that responsible communication not fear-mongering will safeguard peace, trust, and the integrity of Uganda’s electoral process.
