NAKASERO, KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni announced Tuesday he held a “productive meeting” with representatives from Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, signaling the company’s imminent entry into the Ugandan market.
“Yesterday in Nakasero, I had a productive meeting with Starlink representatives, Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver, brought to me by Ambassador Adonia and Ambassador Popp,” Museveni said in a statement. “I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda. They are welcome.”
The announcement comes as Starlink, operated by SpaceX subsidiary Starlink Services, LLC, seeks to expand its high-speed, low-latency internet coverage across Uganda, particularly in underserved and remote regions. The company has applied for a license from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Starlink has been rapidly expanding its global footprint since 2019, already launching services in several African countries, including Rwanda, Kenya, and South Sudan.
Elon Musk announced in August 2024 that Starlink had received approvals to operate in 105 countries worldwide, with 15 of those in Africa.4
A Starlink coverage map indicates service availability in numerous Ugandan districts, including Kampala, Lira, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja, Soroti, Kasese, Gulu, Pader, Kitgum, Hoima, Masindi, Kotido, and Kaabong.
While official pricing for Starlink services in Uganda is yet to be released, comparisons with neighboring Rwanda, where monthly subscriptions are approximately UGX 357,000 and hardware costs around UGX 460,000, provide potential insight.
Yesterday in Nakasero, I had a productive meeting with Starlink representatives, Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver, brought to me by Ambassador Adonia and Ambassador Popp. I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a… pic.twitter.com/fRRrb7Z5Wn
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) April 29, 2025
Currently, some Ugandans access Starlink through roaming options. The official launch is anticipated to provide more stable and widespread connectivity, potentially transforming internet access in areas with limited traditional infrastructure, thereby supporting education, healthcare, and economic development.
The UCC’s approval process is ongoing. The entry of Starlink into Uganda’s telecommunications sector is seen as a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering technological advancement in the region.
