Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Uganda Restricts Starlink Imports Before Election
Uganda's government has stopped people from bringing in Starlink internet devices without special permission.
This is happening just before an important election.
The government says they want to control technology, but the opposition leader, Bobi Wine, thinks they might be trying to stop people from using the internet during the vote.
Starlink, which is owned by Elon Musk, doesn't have permission to work in Uganda yet, but some people have been using it anyway.
The current president, Yoweri Museveni, has been in power for a long time and is running against Bobi Wine again.
In the last election, the government turned off the internet for several days, which Bobi Wine says helped the other side win.
Uganda has restricted imports of Starlink satellite internet equipment ahead of the January 15, 2024 election.
Imports now require approval from the head of the military, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni's son.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine criticizes the restrictions, suggesting they aim to prevent internet access during the election.
Starlink does not have a license to operate in Uganda, but some citizens have been using the devices.
President Museveni, seeking to extend his nearly 40-year rule, faces Bobi Wine in the upcoming election.
- Who
- Uganda's government and opposition leader Bobi Wine
- What
- Restriction on imports of Starlink satellite internet equipment
- When
- Weeks before the January 15, 2024 election
- Where
- Uganda
- Why
- Government seeks to control communication technology, opposition fears internet blackout during election
- Country
- Uganda
- Election Date
- January 15, 2024
- Restricted Equipment
- Starlink satellite internet devices
- Approval Required
- Head of the military, Muhoozi Kainerugaba
- Opposition Leader
- Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi)
- Incumbent President
- Yoweri Museveni
- Starlink License Status
- Not yet licensed in Uganda