Internet Use During Elections | Starlink Restricted скачать в хорошем качестве

Internet Use During Elections | Starlink Restricted

Uganda has imposed immediate restrictions on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink technology and related communication equipment, according to an official memorandum issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). The directive was addressed to all customs staff and took effect immediately upon issuance. The memorandum instructs customs officials to halt the clearance of Starlink gadgets, communication equipment, and associated components unless importers present a valid clearance or authorization letter from the Chief of Defense Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF). Without this authorization, such equipment is not to be released through customs. The move signals heightened government oversight of satellite-based internet technology and advanced communication tools entering the country. Starlink, a satellite internet service, operates independently of traditional terrestrial infrastructure, which has raised regulatory and security considerations in several countries. Although the memorandum does not explicitly mention elections or political activity, the timing of the restriction has drawn public attention, particularly given Uganda’s history of heightened controls over communication and internet services during sensitive national periods. The restriction effectively gives security agencies direct authority over the approval of Starlink-related imports. The guidance emphasizes strict compliance by customs staff and makes it clear that the directive is not optional. By placing the authorization responsibility under the UPDF, the government appears to be framing the issue as one of national security rather than purely commercial regulation. This development may have implications for businesses, humanitarian organizations, and individuals seeking alternative internet connectivity solutions, especially in remote areas where satellite internet is often relied upon. It also adds to ongoing discussions about internet governance, digital freedoms, and state control of communication technologies in Uganda. As of now, no public clarification has been issued regarding the duration of the restriction or whether broader regulations governing satellite internet services will follow.