As Uganda approaches a decisive electoral moment scheduled for January 15, tensions are rising over access to information and digital freedoms. Opposition leader Bobi Wine has publicly accused the Ugandan authorities of orchestrating an internet blackout by forcing Starlink to disable its services in the country, a move he describes as a deliberate attempt to stifle democratic participation.
In a strongly worded message addressed to Elon Musk , Bobi Wine drew parallels between international reactions to political change elsewhere and what he termed Uganda’s persistent democratic suppression. He argued that the sudden loss of Starlink connectivity just days before national elections was not coincidental but part of a broader strategy to silence citizens seeking to communicate, organise, and access independent information.
According to Bobi Wine, Uganda has endured decades of restricted civic space under President Yoweri Museveni , and digital shutdowns have become a recurring feature during politically sensitive periods. “Democracy dies in darkness,” he warned, urging Starlink to restore access so Ugandans could exercise what he called their “fair chance at shaping their destiny.”
However, Starlink has formally rejected claims that the shutdown was politically motivated. In an official letter dated 2 January 2026 and addressed to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the company clarified that its services are not licensed to operate in Uganda. Starlink stated that any satellite internet usage detected in the country prior to January 1, 2026, was the result of terminals imported and activated illegally through neighbouring jurisdictions.
The company explained that, in response to a directive from the UCC, it implemented a new service restriction tool on January 1, effectively disabling all Starlink terminals operating within Uganda’s borders. Starlink further emphasized that it has never officially sold, imported, or distributed terminals in Uganda and that all prior usage violated its terms of service.
In its correspondence, Starlink underscored its commitment to regulatory compliance, noting that it is actively engaging with Ugandan authorities to complete the licensing process. The company expressed hope for a future return to Uganda’s market, contingent on regulatory approval.
The contrasting narratives political suppression versus regulatory enforcement highlight a deeper dilemma facing Uganda’s electoral environment. While the government maintains that it is enforcing telecommunications law, opposition figures and civil society groups argue that the timing and impact of such measures disproportionately affect political freedoms.
As election day nears, the Starlink episode has become emblematic of a wider struggle over information control in Uganda. Whether framed as lawful regulation or political censorship, the outcome underscores a critical reality: in modern elections, access to the internet is no longer a luxury, but a central pillar of democratic participation.
For many Ugandans, the coming days will test not only political leadership but also the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fundamental right to communicate freely.
