Minister Lumumba Launches Airtel Uganda-Starlink Satellite-to-Mobile Service

Airtel Uganda has launched the country's first satellite-to-mobile service in partnership with Starlink, making Uganda the second African nation to commercially roll out the technology. The service, unveiled at Kampala's Marriott Hotel, allows compatible smartphones to send SMS and WhatsApp messages in areas without ground network coverage. The launch was attended by ICT Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Director Nyombi Thembo.

The new service aims to address persistent coverage gaps in the country. Airtel Uganda CEO Soumendra Sahu described the technology as a solution to areas where traditional mobile networks are difficult to deploy. He noted that traditional mobile networks require towers, power, and fuel generators that are challenging to establish in remote areas. The service will provide customers with a 30-day free trial through the MyAirtel app.

ICT Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba celebrated the launch as a national milestone with far-reaching economic implications. She stated that the innovation will deliver 100% geographical coverage, connecting hard-to-reach communities, lakes, mountains, and boosting tourism. The minister was pleased to learn that coverage would reach the islands in the middle of Lake Victoria, near Migingo, where she hails from.

Minister Lumumba emphasized the government's role in enabling the technology. She noted that the government remains committed to a supportive policy environment that enables innovation to solve real problems and transform Uganda into a digitally enabled society. The minister congratulated Airtel for pioneering this innovation and leading the way.

The service offers customers a 30-day free trial, after which users will purchase a data bundle of at least 2,000 Ugandan shillings to continue. Satellite connectivity activates only when a phone loses all ground signal; if even one bar remains, the device continues using the terrestrial network. The rollout follows Airtel Africa's partnership agreement with SpaceX, announced in December 2025.

UCC Director Nyombi Thembo described the collaboration as a defining moment for Ugandan connectivity. He stated that the partnership marks a transformative milestone, harnessing cutting-edge satellite technology to expand connectivity across Uganda. Thembo reiterated that national mobile operators are bound by licensing conditions requiring them to reach the country's most difficult terrain.

The launch event concluded with a 1-minute musical tribute to Ugandan legend, music maestro Moses Matovu, who was murdered on the morning of the launch. The service is expected to improve connectivity in Uganda, particularly in areas that have been difficult to reach with traditional mobile networks.

Key points

• The service will provide 100% geographical coverage in Uganda.
• The partnership between Airtel Uganda and Starlink aims to address persistent coverage gaps in the country.
• The government of Uganda has committed to a supportive policy environment to enable innovation and digital transformation.