Uganda Cracks Down On Unlicensed Public Wi-Fi Providers

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched a nationwide enforcement campaign against unlicensed public Wi-Fi providers, signalling a tougher regulatory stance on internet resellers operating outside the country’s licensing framework.

In a public notice issued on 7 July, the regulator said investigations had uncovered individuals and businesses installing telecommunications equipment and offering public Wi-Fi hotspot services without the required authorisation, in violation of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103.

According to the Commission, the crackdown will be undertaken in collaboration with licensed internet service providers (ISPs), telecommunications operators and other government agencies as part of efforts to bring the country’s growing informal hotspot market into compliance with existing regulations.

The UCC said unlicensed operators should either regularise their operations by obtaining the necessary licences or cease providing the services altogether. It also advised consumers to purchase internet services only from licensed providers or their authorised agents and encouraged members of the public to report unauthorised Wi-Fi services through its toll-free line.

The regulator said licensing goes beyond obtaining permission to operate. Licensed ISPs are required to comply with quality-of-service standards, safeguard customer information, provide customer support and adhere to national cybersecurity regulations. By contrast, users of unlicensed services may face unreliable connectivity, increased cybersecurity risks, potential breaches of personal data and limited avenues for consumer protection should disputes arise.

The enforcement targets a business model that has become increasingly common across Ugandan towns and residential areas. Many informal hotspot operators purchase internet capacity in bulk from licensed providers before reselling access to end users, often at prices significantly lower than those offered directly by telecommunications companies.

Licensed operators have previously raised concerns that the practice creates unfair competition and undermines the regulated market. The UCC has also indicated in earlier findings that some licensed entities have collaborated with unlicensed resellers, raising broader compliance concerns within the sector.

Despite those concerns, the informal hotspot market has continued to grow largely because it offers affordable internet access to users who may struggle to afford conventional mobile data packages. Many of these services primarily cater to students and low-income households, with some neighbourhood hotspot providers reportedly charging as little as UGX 1,000 for 24 hours of internet access.

The latest directive represents a notable shift in the regulator’s approach after earlier indications that it would not prevent consumers from informally sharing internet access within their neighbourhoods. The new enforcement notice, however, draws a clear distinction between sharing connectivity and operating a public internet service without the appropriate licence.

The move also aligns with the Commission’s broader regulatory approach in 2026, which has focused on ensuring that all providers of public telecommunications services comply with licensing requirements. Earlier this year, the UCC directed satellite internet provider Starlink to suspend operations and deactivate its terminals in Uganda after determining that it had not fulfilled the country’s licensing requirements before launching services.

Uganda’s internet market continues to expand rapidly, with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance estimating more than 27 million internet subscriptions and internet penetration reaching approximately 60 percent of the population. While acknowledging the growing demand for affordable internet access, the UCC said expanding connectivity must be achieved within the country’s regulatory framework.

The Commission said the enforcement forms part of its Connected Uganda 2030 agenda, which aims to promote a secure and trusted digital ecosystem by ensuring that all providers offering connectivity services meet the required legal, technical and consumer protection standards.

The latest action leaves informal Wi-Fi operators with a choice between obtaining licences or discontinuing their services. However, it also raises broader questions about how affordable internet access will continue to be provided to low-income users who have relied on neighbourhood hotspot operators to bridge the gap left by traditional retail data pricing.