Uganda's government has imposed immediate restrictions requiring military clearance for all Starlink equipment imports

Uganda has placed strict restrictions on Starlink satellite internet technology just weeks before the country’s general elections. 

Ugandan citizens now require authorization from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and the son of President Yoweri Museveni, to import Starlink’s technology.

The direct-to-satellite internet service that Elon Musk’s SpaceX operates has the antidote to the problem that traditional options have, being that they can be easily shut down. Starlink, on the other hand, would be able to connect users throughout sensitive periods like Uganda’s elections, where authorities have historically disabled services.

Can Ugandans use Starlink?

According to an official memorandum from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), anyone wishing to import Starlink equipment must now obtain authorization from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and the son of President Yoweri Museveni.

The restriction took effect immediately and applies to all of Starlink’s technology, including communication equipment and associated components. Customs state that any import declaration for these items must present a clearance letter from the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces.

Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, said in a social media post that the government’s decision is evidence that the regime is “gripped by fear.”

He questioned why the government would require clearance from the long-time president’s son for Starlink imports. “If they’re not planning mischief (electoral fraud),” he wrote. “Why are they so scared of people accessing interest during the electoral process?”

CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo noted that the ban comes just weeks before the election and pointed out the government’s track record of shutting down the internet during polls.

During Uganda’s 2021 general elections, the internet was shut down for several days, resulting in severely limited communication and information about the electoral process.

With Starlink, Ugandans could theoretically maintain internet connectivity even if traditional internet service providers are ordered to shut down their services. This would allow opposition groups, civil society organizations, and journalists to continue documenting and sharing information about the electoral process.

What are the international implications?

Access Now and similar groups have expressed concerns that these types of restrictions are frequently used to suppress “unfavorable” opinions and control information during periods of political tension.

Robert Kalumba, an official from the Uganda Revenue Authority, who defended the restriction, said the complaints from the public are a “storm in a teacup.”

His argument is that security clearance for satellite technology is a standard global practice, but he failed to acknowledge the sensitive timing of the restriction and also the specific requirement for personal authorization from General Kainerugaba.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is a known controversial figure who has been positioned as a potential successor to his father.

Several countries have implemented various forms of internet restrictions during elections and protests, and satellite internet technology like Starlink represents a solution in this ongoing struggle between governments and citizens.

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