President Museveni has witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and operational licence agreement between the Uganda Communications Commission and Starlink, clearing the way for the company to commence operations in Uganda.
The agreement was signed at State House Entebbe by UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo and Starlink/SpaceX representatives led by Ryan Goodnight as part of the regulatory process to establish a formal operating framework in the country.
Museveni described the development as a significant step in strengthening Uganda’s ICT and connectivity sector.
“Our interest remains security, revenue assurance, and ensuring proper accountability within the telecommunications sector so that we clearly know what is happening with telecom companies and who the customers are,” Museveni said.
Following the signing, UCC issued the necessary certification to guide Starlink’s operational rollout, including compliance requirements with Uganda’s national telecommunications regulations.
Under the licensing framework, Starlink will establish a national gateway, a physical point of presence in Uganda, and an operational office staffed with technical and legal personnel to support service delivery and regulatory oversight.
During the ceremony, Thembo handed over the operational certificate to Starlink representatives, marking a major milestone in the company’s planned entry into Uganda’s internet market.
Speaking at the event, Goodnight described the agreement as a key step toward expanding affordable internet access across Uganda.
“It is a great honour to be here in this beautiful country. We are incredibly excited that we are forging this cooperation and bringing this network here,” he said.
Goodnight added that the partnership is expected to lower internet costs and enable more Ugandans to participate in the digital economy.
“We are ready to comply with Uganda’s laws and work closely with the government and UCC to ensure successful implementation,” he said.
He also revealed that Starlink plans to support the education and health sectors by donating internet connectivity devices to selected facilities across the country.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, said the licence agreement followed extensive engagements between government officials and Starlink representatives to ensure compliance with Uganda’s regulatory framework.
“We are witnessing the signing of the provisional licence for Starlink after agreeing on the terms and features of the licence,” Zawedde said.
She noted that Starlink will be required to ensure all devices activated in Uganda are properly registered and maintain an operational office with key technical, legal and support staff.
Zawedde said the agreement demonstrates Uganda’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity while safeguarding national interests and strengthening regulation in the telecommunications sector.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Robie Kakonge, and other government officials also attended the event.
