URA Tower. Inset is Robert Kalumba, the Assistant Commissioner, Public and Corporate Affairs, URA.
An internal memo from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has sparked widespread public debate and concern, particularly as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
The memo directs an immediate restriction on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment, and associated components. According to the directive, any import declaration for the listed items must be accompanied by a clearance or authorization letter from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
“Any import declaration of the aforementioned items should be accompanied by a clearance/authorization letter from the Chief of Defence Forces – Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF). This guidance takes effect immediately and all staff are expected to adhere to it,” the memo reads in part.
The directive has triggered public anxiety, with some commentators linking the move to concerns over information control and communication freedoms in the lead-up to the elections.
However, URA has moved to downplay the concerns, saying the directive is being misinterpreted.
Responding to the debate on social media, URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, said the requirement for security clearance is neither new nor unique to Uganda.
“There is nothing new about requesting security clearance and government licensing for these entities,” Kalumba said. “It’s not only Uganda that asks for security clearance. It’s a worldwide practice done by many countries. So let’s not create a storm in a teacup.”
Kalumba explained that the importation of sensitive or controlled communication equipment is globally regulated through strict licensing regimes, product-specific certifications, and security vetting overseen by customs and specialized government agencies.
He noted that such measures are intended to protect national security by preventing sensitive communication technologies from being misused or falling into the wrong hands.
Internationally, similar controls exist even in developed countries. For instance, Italy has been engaged in prolonged debate over the adoption of Starlink for government and military communications. While initial discussions reportedly received intelligence and defence approval, the deal has faced roadblocks due to national security concerns, political controversy surrounding Starlink owner Elon Musk, and pressure to adopt sovereign European alternatives such as the IRIS² satellite system. Italian authorities have emphasized that any agreement would require stringent national security clearance.
According to Kalumba, countries like India, Pakistan, South Africa, Senegal, Vietnam, and DRC among others have requested for security clearance before any rollout of starlink services.
URA officials argue that Uganda’s approach mirrors such international practices, adding that many countries where Starlink technology is licensed require prior security clearance alongside other regulatory approvals.
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