Uganda has introduced tighter controls on the importation of Starlink equipment and related communication devices, placing the process under the authority of Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The move comes less than a month to Uganda’s January general elections.
In a memorandum dated December 19, 2025, the URA directed all customs officers to suspend the clearance of Starlink-related items unless importers present official approval. According to the notice, any declaration for such equipment must be supported by a clearance or authorisation letter issued by the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF).
The memorandum stated that the directive takes immediate effect and warned customs personnel to ensure full compliance.
With this decision, Muhoozi Kainerugaba—who serves as a senior military officer—now holds the power to approve or reject all Starlink imports into the country. Customs officers have been instructed to strictly enforce the policy, ensuring that no Starlink devices are released without his written consent.
The directive, circulated by the URA’s Customs Control Department and copied to the Commissioner General, applies nationwide and covers all points of entry into Uganda.
The development signals a significant shift in how satellite-based communication technologies are regulated in the country, particularly as Uganda approaches its upcoming general elections.
