Uganda has granted an operating licence to Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, as the country seeks to expand broadband access and improve digital connectivity. The approval was confirmed by Ugandan communications authorities and government officials, according to Reuters.
The licence will allow Starlink to provide high-speed satellite internet services across Uganda, particularly targeting rural and underserved communities where traditional broadband infrastructure remains limited. Officials said the move aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation agenda and efforts to improve internet access for businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and remote populations.
Starlink has been rapidly expanding across Africa in recent years, securing operating approvals in countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi. Analysts say the company’s low-earth orbit satellite network has become increasingly attractive to African governments seeking faster and more reliable connectivity solutions without relying solely on costly fibre infrastructure expansion.
The development is expected to intensify competition within Uganda’s telecommunications sector while potentially improving internet speeds and digital inclusion. Market observers note that stronger broadband access could support growth in e-commerce, fintech, remote education, and digital entrepreneurship across East Africa’s growing technology ecosystem.
