Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has expressed support for a possible partnership with Starlink, the satellite internet venture owned by billionaire Elon Musk, in a bid to improve connectivity in remote and underserved parts of the country.
In a message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, President Museveni said he held a “productive meeting” with Starlink officials Ben MacWilliams and Brandi Oliver. The meeting, held at State House Nakasero, was facilitated by Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, and US Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp.
“I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas and establishing a presence in Uganda,” President Museveni said. “They are welcome.”
The move is seen as part of wider efforts to bridge the country’s digital divide. Uganda’s internet penetration remains relatively low, with only around 27% of the population having access, according to official figures.
Morrison Rwakakamba, the former Board Chairman of the Uganda Investment Authority, welcomed the development, calling it a potential turning point for the country’s digital future.
“This is powerful, Mr. President — make it happen,” he wrote in a response to the President’s post. He added that satellite internet could help support Uganda’s long-term development plans by enhancing access to education, digital skills, healthcare, and online markets.
Small businesses, which account for over 80% of Uganda’s GDP, could also benefit from more reliable internet, Rwakakamba said, enabling them to adopt e-commerce and reach new customers. He noted that in rural and disaster-prone regions, satellite connectivity could help maintain communication when traditional infrastructure is disrupted.
Starlink, which already operates in Nigeria, Rwanda, and Kenya, has been expanding its footprint across Africa, promoting itself as a solution for regions where traditional broadband services fall short.
Local media recently reported that Starlink had submitted an application to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to operate in the country. However, the UCC has yet to officially confirm receipt or the status of such an application.
Uganda’s internet market is currently dominated by MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda. The two companies signed an agreement in March to share infrastructure in both Uganda and Nigeria, a move aimed at lowering costs while improving coverage.
If approved, Starlink’s entry into the Ugandan market could offer an alternative—especially in rural areas where traditional network rollout has proven difficult and expensive.
