Ugandans seeking to import Starlink satellite internet equipment will now require written authorisation from President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in his capacity as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
The directive is contained in a memorandum issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on December 19, 2025, instructing all customs staff to immediately halt the clearance of the Elon Musk-owned technology and related communication equipment unless accompanied by special approval.
New Clearance Requirements Issued
In the internal memo referenced CUS/CCD/9.5.2, URA’s Customs and Central Directorate (CCD) formally notified customs officers that any import declaration involving Starlink gadgets, communication devices, or associated components must be accompanied by a clearance or authorisation letter issued by the CDF.
“This communication serves to officially notify staff about the immediate restriction on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment and associated components,” the memo reads in part.
Immediate Effect Nationwide
The directive takes effect immediately and applies across all ports of entry, with customs officers expected to strictly enforce the new requirement. URA emphasized that no Starlink-related equipment should be cleared without the specified military authorisation.
The move is likely to spark public debate, particularly over the requirement for civilian importers to seek approval from the military leadership to access satellite internet technology.
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has increasingly been viewed as a critical tool for connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
Neither URA nor the Ministry of Defence has publicly explained the security or policy considerations behind the restriction.
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