Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 564
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), together with telecommunications stakeholders including MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), has announced a nationwide crackdown on illegal public Wi-Fi hotspot operators who are reselling internet services without authorization.
Speaking during a joint press conference on Wednesday, the stakeholders expressed concern over the growing number of unlicensed operators offering broadband services outside the legal framework established by the Uganda Communications Act, 2013.
According to UCC, more than 4,000 unauthorized operators are currently engaged in the illegal resale of commercial and residential broadband services across the country. Authorities say the practice not only undermines licensed internet service providers but also denies the government an estimated Shs148 billion in annual tax revenue.
Officials warned that beyond the economic losses, illegal Wi-Fi networks pose significant cybersecurity and consumer protection risks. Users of such networks may be vulnerable to data breaches, privacy violations, and poor service standards due to the absence of regulatory oversight.
The commission also highlighted safety concerns arising from the installation of unapproved communications equipment on public utility poles and other infrastructure, noting that such practices create physical hazards for both the public and utility workers.
To address the challenge, UCC has issued a seven-day ultimatum requiring all unauthorized Wi-Fi hotspot operators to cease operations and remove any illegally installed equipment before enforcement operations begin nationwide.
However, regulators emphasized that the crackdown is not solely punitive. In an effort to support compliance and encourage legal participation in Uganda’s digital economy, UCC will begin hosting guidance and engagement sessions on October 16, 2026, to help operators understand licensing requirements and transition into lawful operations.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital inclusion and maintaining affordable internet access, stressing that these objectives must be pursued within the country's legal and regulatory framework.
Members of the public have meanwhile been advised to obtain internet services only from licensed providers to ensure their data security, service reliability, and consumer protection.
The upcoming enforcement campaign is expected to strengthen regulation within Uganda’s telecommunications sector while promoting fair competition, consumer safety, and government revenue collection.
