Uganda’s government has tightened controls on imports of Starlink satellite internet equipment just weeks before a closely watched national election, raising concerns among opposition figures who fear a repeat of past internet shutdowns.
The new restrictions come ahead of the January 15 vote, when President Yoweri Museveni is seeking another term that would extend his rule of the East African nation to nearly 50 years. He is facing opposition leader and pop star turned politician Bobi Wine for the second consecutive election.
According to a memo issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority, any imports of Starlink devices and related communication equipment must now receive clearance from the head of the military, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the president’s son.
The memo, dated December 19, surfaced on social media before being confirmed as authentic by a spokesperson for the revenue authority. Officials later sought to play down the move, saying many countries regulate the import of sensitive communication technology.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, does not currently hold a licence to operate in Uganda. Despite this, many Ugandans have been importing and using the satellite internet service independently.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, sharply criticised the decision, questioning the government’s motives ahead of the election.
“If they are not planning electoral fraud, why are they so scared of people accessing the internet during the electoral process,” Wine wrote in a post on X.
During Uganda’s 2021 election, authorities cut off internet access nationwide for several days. Wine rejected the results of that vote, saying irregularities cost him victory, a claim President Museveni has consistently denied.
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Museveni, 81, a former rebel leader, has ruled Uganda since 1986. His government is credited by supporters with restoring stability, boosting economic growth, and tackling HIV AIDS. Critics, however, accuse his administration of suppressing dissent, human rights abuses, and corruption.
Over the years, constitutional changes removed both presidential age limits and term limits, allowing Museveni to remain in office indefinitely.
The latest move on Starlink imports has added to tensions ahead of the vote, with observers closely watching whether access to communication networks will remain open during the electoral period.