Uganda election Starlink internet shutdown sparks opposition outcry

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has appealed to Elon Musk to intervene in the recent shutdown of Starlink internet services in Uganda, just days before the country’s general election on January 15. In a social‑media statement, Wine accused the Ugandan government of using the disruption to stifle communication and undermine democratic participation. He noted that the government has a history of suppressing free expression and persecuting the opposition, and argued that the internet outage further disadvantages government critics during this critical political moment.

Starlink explained that the suspension of its services was a response to regulatory action by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The company said it implemented a service‑restriction tool on January 1, disabling all Starlink terminals operating in Uganda following a directive from the regulator concerning the illegal provision of telecommunications services. Starlink maintained that any use of its service in Uganda prior to that date was unauthorized and violated its terms of service. It added that individuals had purchased and activated terminals in countries where the service is authorized before illegally importing them into Uganda.

Starlink is cooperating with Ugandan authorities and is working to complete its licensing requirements, expressing hope that it will be able to resume operations once regulatory approval is granted. The internet disruption has become a significant issue in Uganda’s pre‑election environment, with opposition figures warning that restrictions on communication risk undermining transparency and public participation during the electoral process. The shutdown has raised concerns about the government’s intentions, given past accusations of suppressing free expression and persecuting the opposition.

The general election, scheduled for January 15, will see President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his 40‑year rule. The opposition has been vocal about the need for free and fair elections, and the internet outage has heightened worries about the government’s commitment to democratic principles. International observers are closely monitoring the situation and are calling for the restoration of internet services to ensure a transparent and participatory electoral process.