Uganda has imposed restrictions on the importation and custom clearance of Starlink technology gadgets and related communication equipment.
The citizens of the President Museveni-led Uganda will now need a written permission from Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, in order to be granted custom clearance.
In a memorandum issued by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on 19th December 2025, all staff at the Customs Control Department were instructed to implement the directive with immediate effect and ensure full compliance.
This move comes as the country prepares for the general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026, raising concerns about access to the internet during the electioneering period.
“This communication serves to officially notify staff about the immediate restriction on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment and associated components,” the URA memorandum read in part.
“Any import declaration of the aforementioned items should be accompanied by a clearance/authorization letter from the Chief of Defense Forces – Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF). This guidance takes effect immediately and all staff are expected to adhere to it,” it added. The custom department did not state reasons behind the restrictions.
The decision has however triggered mixed reactions with the country’s opposition leader and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, slamming the new rule and accusing President Museveni’s administration of planning to rig the January elections.
Bobi Wine questioned why the government was limiting people’s access to the internet during the electoral process.
“A regime gripped by fear! They’re now saying anyone who desires to import Starlink equipment must get a clearance letter from dictator Museveni’s son. Ridiculous! If they’re not planning mischief (electoral fraud), why are they so scared of people accessing interest during the electoral process?”
“Ultimately, the people will prevail against all these illegalities. History is replete with examples,” he added.
Days before the January, 2021 polls, President Yoweri Museveni implemented internet shutdown, blocking social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter, to control information during the tense elections.
Museveni justified it as retaliation against Facebook, for removing Ugandan accounts linked to his re-election campaigns.
