The Ugandan government has initiated a crackdown on unlicensed public Wi-Fi hotspot operators in Kampala and neighboring districts. This move follows complaints about individuals and businesses selling internet services without regulatory approval. The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and security agencies are stepping up enforcement against operators accused of connecting routers, cables, and signal boosters to telecommunications infrastructure without authorization.
Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, has warned that the government will not tolerate illegal internet businesses that undermine regulatory requirements and deprive the state of revenue. Lumumba stated that the government cannot continue losing revenue through illegal activities by people who have not followed proper procedures to sell internet services. She made these remarks during a plenary session of Parliament on October 27, 2026.
The operators are accused of selling internet services outside legally established channels and undercutting licensed internet service providers. According to UCC, between 30 and 40 formally licensed telecommunications and internet service providers operate in Uganda, in addition to major operators MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda. The crackdown comes amid growing attention to the regulation of internet distribution, with authorities seeking to ensure that businesses providing connectivity operate within the law.
Lumumba emphasized the government's commitment to enforcing existing laws while exploring ways to make internet services more affordable and accessible to Ugandans. She called for Parliament to consider measures that would address the cost of internet services while supporting legitimate private-sector investment in the country's digital transformation. This includes examining the role of both the government and the private sector in transforming digitalization in the country.
UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, stated that the regulator had received letters and complaints requiring further examination following earlier discussions on compliance and enforcement within the communications sector. The government aims to balance enforcement with efforts to improve internet affordability and create an environment in which licensed service providers can compete fairly.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is working closely with security agencies to enforce the regulations. The commission has received several complaints about unlicensed internet service providers, prompting the current crackdown. Authorities are urging internet service providers to operate within the law to avoid facing penalties.
The government's efforts to regulate internet distribution are ongoing, with a focus on ensuring that businesses providing connectivity operate within the law. The goal is to create a fair and competitive environment for licensed service providers while making internet services more affordable and accessible to Ugandans.
Key points
- The Ugandan government has launched a crackdown on unlicensed public Wi-Fi hotspot operators.
- The crackdown aims to address the issue of illegal internet businesses that undermine regulatory requirements and deprive the state of revenue.
- The government is committed to enforcing existing laws while exploring ways to make internet services more affordable and accessible to Ugandans.
