The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to over 4,000 unlicensed public Wi-Fi hotspot operators across Uganda, requiring them to halt their services and remove any illegal apparatus. UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo stated that the operators' activities undermine licensed service providers and cost the country approximately Shs148 billion in annual tax revenue. The commission, together with telecommunications companies MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), held a press conference to address the growing challenge of unauthorised Wi-Fi hotspot operations.
Nyombi cited cybersecurity, data privacy and consumer protection risks associated with unauthorised networks, as well as physical safety concerns arising from the installation of unapproved equipment on public utility poles. He announced that UCC would begin guidance sessions on Friday, October 16, 2026, to help operators willing to comply transition to legal operations under the applicable licensing frameworks. The commission also urged the public to rely on licensed internet service providers to protect their data and ensure uninterrupted access to internet services.
The announcement has triggered debate on social media, with several users questioning whether the seven-day deadline provides sufficient time for operators to complete the licensing process. One user, posting as REGGIE, questioned whether operators seeking to formalise their businesses could obtain licences within the stipulated period, arguing that the process might take longer than a week. While acknowledging that operators must comply with the law, the user described the deadline as unfair if the licensing process could not be completed within the given timeframe.
Other users argued that the hotspot businesses had emerged partly in response to complaints about expensive data bundles and the rapid depletion of purchased data. Solomon Junia said people would continue looking for alternatives when their concerns about internet affordability were not adequately addressed. “People will always find solutions if the govt decides not to listen to their complaints,” he wrote, adding that consumers had repeatedly complained about data prices without seeing a satisfactory response.
The crackdown has also raised concerns about the livelihoods of young people operating the businesses. Gerald Menelik urged UCC and its leadership to study how countries such as Kenya, India and South Africa support hotspot operators before implementing measures that could affect young people who depend on the income from these businesses. Meanwhile, another user suggested that the government could consider replacing the affected hotspots with public Wi-Fi supplied by UCC rather than simply shutting down the businesses.
Some users defended the need for regulatory compliance, with Muhammad Mwesigye urging operators to adhere to the law, arguing that compliance with the legal framework governing communications services was an obligation. The debate also extended to the reported Shs148 billion in annual tax revenue losses cited by Nyombi, with some users arguing that money spent on affordable internet would continue circulating in the economy through purchases of other goods and services that attract taxes.
The exchanges highlight the challenge facing UCC as it seeks to enforce licensing requirements while addressing public concerns about internet affordability, access and employment. While the commission maintains that unlicensed operators pose regulatory, financial and security risks, consumers and some operators appear concerned about the availability of affordable alternatives if the businesses are shut down. The guidance sessions announced by UCC could provide an opportunity for operators to understand the licensing requirements and explore ways of continuing their businesses legally.
Key points
- UCC's seven-day ultimatum to unlicensed Wi-Fi hotspot operators has sparked debate about internet affordability and access in Uganda.
- The commission's guidance sessions may provide an opportunity for operators to understand licensing requirements and explore ways to continue their businesses legally.
- The crackdown on unlicensed hotspot operators has raised concerns about the livelihoods of young people operating the businesses.
