Uganda Signs Agreement with Starlink, Paving Way for Nationwide Satellite Internet
KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda has officially taken a major step toward bridging its digital divide. President Yoweri K. Museveni presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an operational license agreement between the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The signing marks the formal commencement of Starlink’s operations in the country, promising to deliver low-cost, high-speed internet to even the most remote areas.
Museveni Outlines Conditions for Operation
President Museveni confirmed the development on his social media platforms, revealing that he had held a productive meeting with Starlink representatives, Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver, facilitated by Ambassador Adonia Ayebare and US Ambassador William Popp.
While welcoming the investment, the President made it clear that Uganda’s priorities are security, revenue assurance, and accountability within the telecommunications sector.
“Our interest is security, revenue assurance, and proper accountability within the telecommunications sector so that we know who is operating and who the customers are,” President Museveni stated. He expressed pleasure that Starlink has agreed to comply fully with Uganda’s laws and regulatory requirements as it prepares to begin service delivery.
A Game Changer for Healthcare, Education, and Business
Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, hailed the agreement as a historic achievement. He thanked President Museveni and Elon Musk, noting that Uganda joins a growing family of nations connected to Starlink.
“Starlink is a world class company that provides low cost internet in hard to reach places around the world, and their interest in Uganda will be a game changer in health care, education and business,” Ambassador Ayebare wrote.
He specifically credited the collaborative efforts of the US Embassy in Kampala, led by Ambassador Popp, over the past two years, as well as the Ugandan Ministry of ICT and the UCC for their hard work in facilitating the entry.
What This Means for Ugandans
The agreement allows Starlink to deploy its constellation of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide broadband internet. Unlike traditional fiber or mobile towers, Starlink’s technology requires only a user terminal (dish) and a view of the sky, making it ideal for rural schools, remote health clinics, and underserved communities.
While specific pricing and launch dates are yet to be announced, officials emphasize the goal of “affordable internet across the entire country.” The development is expected to spur innovation, improve access to telemedicine, and connect remote villages to the global digital economy.
President Museveni concluded by wishing the company good luck, adding, “They are welcome.”
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