The police in Uganda have started an operation to crack down on unauthorised Wi-Fi resellers in parts of Kampala. The crackdown, which has so far covered areas such as Kasangati, Kawaala, Kasubi, and Kawempe, aims to target public internet services operating without the required regulatory approvals. According to people familiar with the operation, the police and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) are working together to enforce regulations against unauthorised public Wi-Fi services.
The UCC had announced on July 8, 2026, that it would begin nationwide enforcement against illegal public Wi-Fi services. The commission's investigations identified unlicensed businesses installing telecommunications equipment to provide unauthorised public internet hotspots. UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo stated that while increased internet access created business opportunities, providers of public internet services must comply with national laws and regulations.
The unauthorised Wi-Fi resellers are understood to include those providing public Wi-Fi without authorisation or installing cables and equipment on poles, fibre routes, and other infrastructure without the owners' consent. Telecommunications companies have expressed concerns that unauthorised attachments can damage network assets, obstruct maintenance, and increase the risk of outages. This could affect calls, internet access, mobile money, and businesses that rely on stable connectivity.
MTN, a major telecommunications company in Uganda, has stated that it is not opposed to community connectivity or the businesses that provide it. However, the company expressed concerns about the potential damage, safety risks, service interruptions, and business disruption that may arise from the unauthorised use of MTN infrastructure. MTN emphasised its duty to protect its infrastructure and the services that depend on it.
The UCC has urged unauthorised operators to regularise their businesses or stop operating, and advised consumers to use licensed providers or authorised agents. The commission stated that licensed providers must meet quality-of-service, consumer protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity requirements. This is intended to protect consumers from unreliable services, potential data privacy violations, cyber threats, and limited avenues for redress when complaints arise.
Authorities say the enforcement is intended to bring providers into compliance, protect critical telecommunications infrastructure, and reduce preventable safety, service-continuity, and business-disruption risks. The operation aims to ensure that public internet services operate within the regulatory framework, providing safe and reliable services to consumers. The police and UCC are working together to achieve this goal.
The crackdown on unauthorised Wi-Fi resellers is expected to expand to other areas of Kampala. The UCC and police will continue to engage with telecommunications companies and the public to ensure compliance with regulations.
Key points
- The operation targets unauthorised Wi-Fi resellers operating in parts of Kampala.
- UCC and police aim to bring providers into compliance with regulations.
- The enforcement intends to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure and reduce safety risks.
