Starlink has officially launched its high-speed satellite internet service in Uganda, promising faster and more reliable connectivity, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional broadband.
This follows a licensing agreement signed in May 2026 between Starlink and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) at State House-Entebbe in the presence of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Starlink’s coverage currently includes major cities such as Kampala and Gulu, with plans to expand into rural areas. The residential service offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps with unlimited data at approximately UGX 203,704 per month.
However, the launch has also triggered concerns among Ugandans who say the service is too expensive for the average household.
Customers face an estimated UGX 2.3 million initial payment for the Starlink hardware kit, while locally advertised kits can cost between UGX 2.7 million and UGX 3 million. Users are also expected to pay a mandatory regulatory charge equivalent to about US$100 plus VAT, estimated at roughly UGX 437,036.
“To be honest, Starlink is too expensive for an average Ugandan,” one consumer said, comparing the price with fibre internet packages that can cost around UGX 100,000 per month.
Despite the concerns, officials and the U.S. Embassy have welcomed Starlink’s arrival, describing improved connectivity as an opportunity to support investment, digital services and Uganda’s economic growth ambitions.
However, for Ugandans who already have access to cheaper fibre or mobile internet, the monthly cost of over UGX 200,000 may be difficult to justify.
As Starlink expands across Uganda, the service could help bridge the country’s connectivity gap. But for many consumers, affordability remains the biggest question surrounding its launch.
