By Correspondent, Kampala, Uganda – December 24, 2025In a surprising move, Uganda bans Starlink imports weeks before elections. This raises questions and concerns among citizens and international observers.
As Uganda hurtles toward its January 15, 2026 general elections, the government has taken a controversial step to block the importation of Starlink satellite internet equipment. This decision is sparking outrage among opposition figures, digital rights activists, and ordinary citizens alike. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) announced that all Starlink shipments now require clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces before customs will process them. Critics say this move is designed to control the flow of information during the election season.
“This isn’t about regulation; it’s about controlling what Ugandans can see and share online during the election,” says Dr. Samuel Kato, a media and digital rights analyst based in Kampala.
Starlink, the internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provides fast, reliable connectivity independent of Uganda’s national telecom infrastructure. Unlike conventional ISPs, it cannot easily be switched off. Therefore, it serves as a lifeline for uncensored news and real-time reporting — exactly what the government seems keen to monitor.
Historical Context of Digital Control
Uganda has a track record of tightening control over communications during elections. In the 2021 polls, nationwide internet shutdowns silenced social media, disrupted reporting, and limited citizen engagement substantially. Many observers see the current Starlink restrictions as a repeat of the same playbook. They view it as the state preemptively shutting down alternative information channels before the vote.
“Because Starlink operates outside state control, restricting its importation is a politically motivated attempt to dominate the narrative ahead of the elections,” notes Business Insider Africa.
Opposition Outcry
Opposition leader Bobi Wine condemned the move, calling it a blatant effort to stifle independent voices. “This is about more than regulation. It’s about silencing citizens and controlling information,” Wine stated. “The government fears a free flow of information that could expose election irregularities,” he added during a press briefing on December 23, 2025.
Civil society groups and media watchdogs have also raised alarms. They emphasize that requiring military clearance before customs approval effectively puts the Uganda People’s Defence Force in charge of who can access foreign internet technology. Many fear that this could limit transparency, restrict communication, and jeopardize the integrity of the elections.
Public Reaction
Social media has erupted with criticism. Ugandans are using VPNs and alternative digital platforms to bypass information controls, while hashtags like #FreeStarlinkUG and #DigitalRightsUG trend locally. Many citizens view the move as an assault on freedom of expression and a warning sign of potential electoral manipulation.
Government Response
The URA insists the decision is a standard security measure. They assert that all communications equipment must be vetted for technical compliance and national security concerns. Yet the insistence on military approval specifically for Starlink, rather than a general type-approval process, fuels skepticism about the true motivation behind the restriction.
With only three weeks remaining before Ugandans head to the polls, the Starlink ban has become a flashpoint in the larger struggle between state control and digital freedom. Many observers warn that this is not just about internet equipment. Rather, it is a prelude to a battle over information, transparency, and democratic accountability.
Pull Quotes for Online Engagement:
- “This isn’t about regulation; it’s about controlling what Ugandans can see and share online during the election.”
- “Because Starlink operates outside state control, restricting its importation is a politically motivated attempt to dominate the narrative ahead of the elections.”
- “This is about more than regulation. It’s about silencing citizens and controlling information.”
