Uganda Imposes Military Clearance for Starlink Imports Amid Election Sensitivity
Uganda's government has enacted immediate restrictions requiring military authorization for all Starlink equipment imports. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces, now holds approval authority. The MOVE coincides with election periods when internet disruptions are common.
Starlink's satellite-based service bypasses traditional infrastructure vulnerable to shutdowns. Opposition leader Bobi Wine condemned the measure as evidence of a 'regime gripped by fear,' questioning why clearance requires presidential family oversight.
Customs enforcement mandates UPDF clearance letters for all Starlink-related imports, including communication hardware. The policy highlights growing tensions between decentralized technologies and governmental control in emerging markets.
