In a landmark briefing to the Fourth Estate held today at the Uganda Media Centre, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo, moved to clear the air on the two most volatile topics currently shaping the national discourse: the status of Starlink internet and the rising tide of electoral misinformation.
As Uganda navigates the final stretch toward the January 15, 2026, General Elections, the UCC’s message was singular: Regulation is not an obstacle; it is a safeguard for public trust.
The Starlink Standoff
While acknowledging the innovative nature of satellite broadband, the UCC Executive Director was firm on the legal requirements for Starlink Global Internet Services Ltd. despite heavy public demand.
Nyombi Thembo reiterated that Starlink remains unlicensed for commercial services in Uganda.
“Following a directive issued on January 1, 2026, Starlink has successfully deployed geolocation controls to disable terminals that were previously operating illegally through neighbouring-country signals,” he said.
He emphasised that, according to UCC regulations, all providers, whether via satellite (OneWeb, Project Kuiper) or fibre, must meet the same public interest and national obligation standards.
“Uganda is a sovereign nation regulated by law. No individual or organisation, local or foreign, can offer telecommunication services without the Commission’s approval,” he stressed.
Debunking The Shutdown Rumours
Addressing a viral fake notice that claimed a nationwide internet blackout was imminent, the UCC Executive Director provided a definitive Public Assurance to businesses and voters alike.
He emphasised that as of January 2026, there are no preparations for an internet shutdown.
“Stakeholders, including telecom giants MTN and Airtel, have indicated that data services remain their core commercial activity,” Nyombi Thembo noted.
The Executive Director reiterated that sharing ‘Fake News’ or unverified notices is a criminal offense that attracts a legal obligation, warning that forwarding false information carries the same legal weight as creating it.
With the January 15th polls looming nearer, the UCC issued a stern reminder to broadcasters and digital content creators regarding the Minimum Broadcasting Standards.
Nyombi Thembo stressed that only the Electoral Commission is authorised to declare results, noting that sharing unverified ‘early wins’ is illegal.
He also emphasised that streaming of riots, protests, or violent incidents that threaten public order is also prohibited.
In his concluding remarks, the Executive Director also warned that studios must utilise delay mechanisms for live broadcasts to ensure editorial oversight before airing sensitive content.
The briefing highlighted a critical distinction: The internet is productive infrastructure, similar to roads or power.
Nyombi Thembo cautioned that those who weaponise this infrastructure to spread fear or panic are the true threat to its availability.