By Our Staff Reporter

KAMPALA, UGANDA | 14th October 2026
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced plans to intensify nationwide enforcement against unlicensed Wi-Fi service providers, warning that operators found illegally reselling internet services risk losing their equipment and having their installations dismantled.

The move is aimed at strengthening regulation of Uganda’s growing internet services market, protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition among telecommunications operators.

Speaking to journalists at UCC headquarters, the Commission’s Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, said the enforcement exercise would focus on individuals and businesses providing public internet services without the necessary authorisation.

According to Thembo, enforcement teams will identify illegal Wi-Fi installations, dismantle unauthorised infrastructure and seize routers and other equipment used in unlawful operations.

The Commission explained that the Uganda Communications Act requires providers of telecommunications services to the public to obtain the appropriate authorisation from UCC.

Thembo warned that operating outside the established regulatory framework undermines consumer protection, creates unfair competition and potentially exposes users to unreliable or unsafe internet services.

He further expressed concern that unregulated internet resale could affect government revenue collection and the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure.

The announcement comes amid the expansion of affordable public Wi-Fi services across Uganda, particularly in urban centres, trading centres, residential neighbourhoods and commercial establishments.

Many small-scale entrepreneurs have ventured into internet resale to meet growing demand for affordable connectivity, especially among students, traders and young people.

However, the Commission maintains that businesses offering such services must comply with applicable licensing and regulatory requirements.

The planned operation follows consultations involving telecommunications companies, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and representatives of the Wi-Fi Hotspot Association.

UCC has urged operators conducting unauthorised internet resale to regularise their operations or discontinue unlawful activities.

Consumers have also been advised to obtain internet services from providers authorised by the Commission.

However, the crackdown does not amount to a blanket ban on public Wi-Fi businesses. It specifically targets operators providing services without the required regulatory approval.

Although UCC has confirmed its intention to conduct nationwide enforcement, the Commission has not announced the exact commencement date or the number of operators likely to be affected.

The development raises important questions about the future of small-scale internet entrepreneurs and the need to balance regulatory compliance with affordable digital access.

As Uganda continues to expand its digital economy, the challenge will be ensuring that telecommunications regulations protect consumers and legitimate businesses without unnecessarily limiting opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.