Uganda’s communications regulator has announced a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed public Wi-Fi operators, warning businesses reselling internet services without official authorisation to stop immediately or risk having their equipment seized.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said the enforcement exercise would target operators providing public internet access without the licences required under the country’s telecommunications regulations.
The move is aimed at addressing concerns over the growing resale of internet services outside the regulatory framework, including issues relating to consumer protection, service standards, fair competition and government revenue.
According to the commission, some operators have been reselling internet access without obtaining the necessary approval, raising questions about whether their activities comply with the rules governing the provision of telecommunications services.
The regulator said the exercise followed consultations with key stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, the Uganda Revenue Authority and members of the Wi-Fi Hotspot Association.
The discussions focused on regulatory challenges associated with the resale of public internet services and the need to ensure that operators comply with the laws governing the telecommunications sector.
The UCC estimates that approximately 4,000 unlicensed providers are offering public Wi-Fi services across Uganda, with the number continuing to rise.
See also: Data Centre Boom Forces Schneider Electric to Upgrade 2026 Forecast
The operators typically purchase high-speed broadband packages, including fibre-to-the-home and fixed wireless access services, from licensed telecommunications companies before reselling the connectivity to the public.
The commission said licensed operators charge an average of 2,000 Ugandan shillings per gigabyte, including taxes and other costs, while unlicensed resellers offer the same volume of data for about 1,000 shillings.
The regulator estimates that the practice costs the government approximately 148 billion Ugandan shillings in tax revenue annually. It also argues that the businesses gain an unfair advantage over licensed providers, which invest in network infrastructure and meet regulatory obligations.
UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo said the commission had completed its assessment of the operators and was moving towards enforcement. The regulator has given the businesses seven days to voluntarily dismantle their installations before the nationwide operation begins.
Beyond licensing and tax compliance, the commission has raised concerns about the safety of installations and the security of users’ information.
Some operators reportedly mount routers, cables and other equipment on electricity poles and telecommunications infrastructure without permission. The installations can expose workers to electric shocks and obstruct maintenance activities by electricity and telecommunications companies.
The UCC has also warned that unlicensed hotspots may operate outside subscriber registration and lawful interception frameworks, making it more difficult to trace users and investigate incidents involving the networks. Consumers using such services could also face service disruptions, potential data privacy violations and limited options for lodging complaints when problems arise.
As part of the crackdown, the commission is working with the Uganda Revenue Authority to restrict the importation of telecommunications equipment by unlicensed operators. Enforcement teams will identify and dismantle illegal installations, seize routers and related equipment, and seek legal authorisation to destroy equipment that cannot be regularised.
However, the regulator has indicated that it is exploring ways to help willing operators transition into legally recognised businesses rather than lose their investments entirely.
The commission has urged operators to remove their equipment voluntarily while it considers possible compliance arrangements. It has also advised consumers to verify the licensing status of internet providers and obtain services only from authorised businesses.
They maintained that expanding connectivity must go hand in hand with licensing compliance, consumer protection, network security and the payment of applicable taxes.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
