The Ugandan government has restricted the import of Starlink satellite internet devices just weeks before the nationwide elections.

The opposition fears the government will impose another internet blackout as it did during the 2021 elections when internet access was cut for several days.

81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his nearly half-century rule in the East African country in the January 15 elections, running against 43-year-old pop star and politician Bobi Wine for the second time.

The import restrictions were first revealed in a leaked memo from the tax authority dated December 19, which circulated on social media. A spokesperson later confirmed the memo’s authenticity.

The memo stated that all imports of ‘Starlink devices, communication equipment, and related components’ now require approval from the military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son.

Elon Musk’s Starlink does not yet have a license to operate in Uganda, but many residents have brought in Starlink devices and are using them regardless.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine called the import restrictions ‘ridiculous’ on X, questioning why the government fears internet access during the election process if it is not planning fraud.

Museveni is credited with stabilizing Uganda, promoting economic growth, and combating HIV/AIDS, but critics accuse his government of suppressing opposition, human rights abuses, and corruption.

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