KAMPALA, Uganda — Elon Musk’s Starlink is preparing to bring its satellite-powered internet service to Uganda, having officially submitted a license application to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The move is set to revolutionize internet accessibility in remote and underserved areas across the country.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, offers high-speed, low-latency broadband through a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites.
The service has already launched in several African nations, including Rwanda, Kenya, and South Sudan, and is currently authorized in over 105 countries worldwide, 15 of which are in Africa.
The expansion into Uganda aims to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is either unreliable or completely absent.
Starlink’s coverage map suggests that once operational, service will reach numerous districts, including Kampala, Gulu, Mbarara, Lira, Masindi, Jinja, Soroti, Kotido, Kaabong, and others.
While pricing details for Uganda are still pending, comparisons can be made with neighboring countries.
In Rwanda, for example, users pay around UGX357,000 per month, with a one-time hardware cost of UGX460,000. Optional add-ons like ethernet adapters and longer cables come at additional costs.
Some Ugandan residents are already accessing Starlink via roaming setups, though coverage is inconsistent and not officially supported. With a local license and infrastructure, Starlink is expected to offer more stable connections, better speeds, and broader accessibility.
The potential impact is significant. Improved internet access could boost e-learning, digital healthcare, e-commerce, and remote work, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
The UCC is currently reviewing the application, and a launch date has yet to be confirmed. However, industry observers are optimistic, noting that Starlink’s entry could spark competition, reduce connectivity costs, and accelerate digital inclusion in Uganda.
As the country awaits regulatory approval, Starlink’s potential arrival represents a leap forward in Uganda’s push to become a fully connected digital economy.
