Starlink in Uganda: UCC Confirms Taxation, Local Gateway Requirements for Satellite Service

KAMPALA, May 24, 2026 – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has outlined the regulatory framework governing Starlink’s entry into the Ugandan market, addressing key concerns around taxation, data sovereignty, and local infrastructure requirements.

Starlink secured both an infrastructure and service provisional licence permitting the company to operate satellite services in Uganda. The licence also allows Starlink to share its infrastructure with other licensed operators through commercial agreements, potentially expanding services into unserved and underserved areas nationwide.

Tax Parity with Local ISPs

During licence negotiations, the government and UCC made revenue assurance and full compliance with Uganda’s tax laws core conditions of market entry. Starlink committed to paying all taxes due to the Government of Uganda in parity with other licensed operators.

As a locally registered entity, Starlink will face taxes similar to other Internet Service Providers (ISPs), regardless of technology deployed. These include Corporate Income Tax, VAT, Excise Duty, regulatory fees and levies, Withholding Tax, Import Duties on equipment and hardware, and PAYE for local employees.

UCC stated it operates a balanced technology-neutral regulatory regime, to which Starlink is not exempt.

Data Sovereignty Measures

Satellite-based providers like Starlink are often described as “virtual” due to minimal terrestrial footprint, raising global concerns about data routing, interception, and foreign control. UCC has addressed these issues through explicit licence conditions focused on localisation and oversight.

Key measures include:

· National gateway requirement: A physical point of presence in Uganda where traffic for Ugandan users must route through local infrastructure, enabling lawful interception and monitoring in compliance with national laws and the Data Protection and Privacy Act.
· Local device registration: All devices activated within Uganda must be registered locally to enhance accountability and support regulatory enforceability.

Starlink must fully comply with Uganda’s legal and regulatory framework governing security, data governance, consumer protection, and content regulation. These requirements help mitigate concerns associated with data being routed and managed entirely offshore.