At Nakasero Hill in Kampala, President Yoweri Museveni met with top representatives from Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture. The discussion, described as “productive” by the President, focused on bringing low-cost, high-speed internet to Uganda’s most underserved and remote communities.
“I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas,” Museveni posted on X (formerly Twitter). “They are welcome.”
Leading the Starlink delegation were Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver, accompanied by Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and U.S. Ambassador William Popp.
For decades, Uganda has faced a persistent digital divide. While cities like Kampala and Entebbe boast 4G speeds and fiber options, millions in Karamoja, Buvuma Islands, Bundibugyo, and parts of Northern Uganda remain digitally invisible.
The entering of Starlink, a cutting-edge satellite internet service powered by SpaceX, that beams high-speed connectivity directly from orbit no fiber cables, no telecom towers is much needed.
If successfully deployed, Uganda could become the first East African country with national satellite broadband coverage, connecting rural health centers, remote schools, farms and even island fishing communities.
Starlink is a low-orbit satellite constellation developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, aimed at delivering reliable, uncensored and high-speed internet to every inch of the globe.
The technology uses a network of thousands of satellites and a small receiver dish known as a “Starlink terminal” to provide speeds up to 100Mbps in even the most unreachable corners of the planet.
“This could transform education, healthcare and innovation in our countryside.”
The move to welcome Starlink is a bold one in Uganda’s tightly regulated ICT environment, where local telecom giants like Airtel, MTN, Lyca and internet gatekeepers like Roke telecom have long dominated the space.
Observers note that this partnership could spark fresh competition, drive down prices and reduce internet controlling, a move both welcomed and feared by various players in the industry.
Regardless, the timing just ahead of the 2026 general elections raises whispers among digital rights activists, given the country’s previous internet blackouts during election period.
Also Read: “We Would Rather Lose an Election Than Tolerate Indiscipline” Says Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi
