Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, is preparing to enter the Ugandan market, having applied for a license from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). This move aims to extend high-speed, low-latency internet coverage across the country, particularly in underserved and remote regions.
Starlink, operated by Starlink Services, LLC—a subsidiary of SpaceX—has been expanding its global footprint since its inception in 2019. The company has already launched services in several African countries, including Rwanda, Kenya, and South Sudan. In August 2024, Elon Musk announced that Starlink had received approvals to operate in 105 countries worldwide, with 15 of these in Africa.
A coverage map shared by Starlink indicates that the service will be available in multiple Ugandan districts, such as Kampala, Lira, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja, Soroti, Kasese, Gulu, Pader, Kitgum, Hoima, Masindi, Kotido, and Kaabong.
While the exact pricing for Starlink’s services in Uganda has not been confirmed, comparisons can be drawn from neighboring countries. In Rwanda, for instance, the monthly subscription fee is approximately RWF128,000 (about UGX357,000), with hardware costs around UGX460,000. Additional accessories, such as ethernet adapters and extended cables, are available at extra costs.
Currently, some Ugandan users have accessed Starlink’s services through roaming options, but the official launch is anticipated to provide more stable and widespread connectivity. The introduction of Starlink is expected to enhance internet accessibility in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking, thereby supporting education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives.
The UCC’s approval process is ongoing, and further details regarding the launch timeline and service packages are awaited. The entry of Starlink into Uganda’s telecommunications sector marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering technological advancement in the region.
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