NAKASERO, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has given his official nod to Elon Musk’s Starlink, paving the way for the satellite internet provider to enter Uganda’s telecom market.
In a statement shared Tuesday, Museveni said he met with Starlink representatives Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver to discuss the company’s rollout strategy.
The meeting, held at State House Nakasero, included Ambassador Adonia Ayebare and U.S. Ambassador William Popp.
“I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda. They are welcome,” Museveni posted on X.
This presidential endorsement comes as Starlink, a division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, awaits licensing approval from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
If approved, Starlink would begin operations as a satellite-based internet service provider, capable of bypassing the country’s existing telecom infrastructure to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet directly via satellite.
The implications for Uganda are significant. Rural communities—many of which have never had reliable internet—could soon gain access to digital services essential for education, telemedicine, small business, and more.
Museveni’s green light reflects a broader government initiative to bridge Uganda’s digital divide. While urban centers like Kampala have seen massive growth in digital access, rural areas still lag behind due to poor infrastructure and high costs.
Starlink’s entry promises to change that. Unlike fiber or mobile-based providers that depend on physical towers and cables, Starlink beams internet directly from its growing constellation of low Earth orbit satellites.
This makes it uniquely positioned to serve hard-to-reach areas—mountainous terrain, islands, and remote villages included.
According to preliminary coverage maps, Starlink plans to serve a wide swath of Uganda, reaching both urban and rural districts.
While local pricing and launch dates remain undisclosed, Starlink’s global model typically involves a one-time hardware fee and a monthly subscription.
The development could inject fresh energy into Uganda’s digital economy. Internet access is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. From online learning to remote work, digital banking, and e-health, the stakes are high.
The UCC’s regulatory process will determine when Starlink can officially launch. However, Museveni’s public support sends a clear message: Uganda is open to innovative tech that empowers its people.
In backing Starlink, Museveni has also aligned Uganda with a growing list of African countries welcoming next-generation connectivity.
Rwanda, Nigeria, and Kenya have all begun integrating satellite internet as part of national development plans.
With Starlink on the horizon, Uganda’s remote corners could soon join the digital grid—unlocking opportunities that were once out of reach.
