Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is making strategic moves to expand into Uganda, a development that could transform the country’s digital landscape. The company, operated by SpaceX, has officially applied for a license to offer its low-latency, high-speed satellite internet services in the East African nation.

Aiming to Bridge the Digital Divide

Starlink’s potential entry into Uganda is part of its broader mission to provide fast and reliable internet access in remote and underserved regions around the world. Leveraging a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink offers broadband internet with impressive speeds and reduced latency compared to traditional satellite services. This model is particularly suited for areas with limited infrastructure, where laying fiber optic cables is not feasible.

According to Starlink’s service coverage map, the company plans to provide internet access in several key Ugandan towns and cities, including Kampala, Lira, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja, Soroti, Kasese, Gulu, Pader, Kitgum, Hoima, Masindi, Kotido, and Kaabong. This signals Starlink’s intent to offer wide geographic coverage that includes both urban centers and rural areas.

Current Access and Roaming Workarounds

Although Starlink has not yet received official licensing from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), some users in Uganda have managed to access the service by subscribing in neighboring countries where Starlink is approved, and then using the equipment inside Uganda via a roaming setup. This method, however, is not officially sanctioned and may not deliver optimal performance due to network prioritization rules and potential interference.

As of August 2024, Starlink had been approved to operate in 105 countries, 15 of which are in Africa, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and Mozambique. Uganda was not among the listed countries at that time, but the application for a local license indicates that may soon change.

Pricing Expectations and Market Context

While official pricing for Uganda has not been released, Starlink’s pricing model in nearby countries gives some clues. In Rwanda, users pay around RWF128,000 (UGX357,000) per month, with hardware costs near UGX460,000. Kenya’s monthly subscription is approximately KES14,000 (UGX403,000), and the initial hardware setup costs around KES45,500.

If similar pricing is adopted in Uganda, affordability could become a barrier for many potential users. However, for institutions, businesses, and remote communities that rely on unreliable or slow internet, Starlink could represent a game-changing upgrade.

Regulatory Hurdles and Licensing

Starlink’s operations in any country must comply with national regulatory frameworks. In Uganda, the UCC is responsible for approving and licensing internet service providers. For Starlink to operate legally and officially, it must secure a license, which typically involves meeting requirements related to spectrum allocation, cybersecurity, data privacy, and service quality standards.

So far, the UCC has not confirmed the issuance of a license to Starlink, but industry observers see the application itself as a positive sign of upcoming digital progress.

Potential Benefits to Uganda

Starlink’s entry could have profound implications for Uganda’s economy, education system, and public services. In rural and hard-to-reach areas, where existing infrastructure is lacking, Starlink could offer instant access to the global digital economy, remote education, telemedicine, and more. It could also support emergency response efforts, improve government service delivery, and empower small businesses with reliable internet access.

However, local telecom providers may view Starlink as competition, potentially raising concerns around market disruption and regulatory equity. Balancing innovation with fair competition will be an important task for regulators.

Conclusion

application to operate in Uganda represents a hopeful step forward in addressing the country’s long-standing digital infrastructure challenges. If approved, the service could unlock new opportunities for millions of Ugandans, transforming how people learn, work, and connect in both urban and remote communities.

As Uganda moves closer to potentially joining the growing list of countries benefiting from Starlink’s services, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this global tech development reshapes the local digital economy.

Read Also: Voices Of The World: Honouring The Diplomats Who Shape Our Future – A Spotlight On Africa’s Delegates In 2025