KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced a nationwide enforcement campaign targeting individuals and businesses operating public Wi-Fi hotspot services without the required licences, warning that illegal internet providers pose significant risks to consumers and the country’s communications infrastructure.
In a public notice issued on Monday, July 7, UCC said the operation will be conducted in collaboration with licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecommunications operators and other government agencies to ensure that all public internet services comply with Uganda’s communications laws and regulations.
The Commission said the exercise is aimed at protecting consumers, strengthening cybersecurity and ensuring that public internet providers meet the required standards of service delivery and accountability.
“As internet access continues to grow rapidly across Uganda, demand for affordable connectivity has spurred new business ventures. While this expansion is welcome, it is vital to recognise that providing public internet services requires adherence to national laws and regulations so as to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of our communications ecosystem,” UCC said in the notice.
According to the regulator, investigations have found that some unlicensed operators are installing telecommunications equipment and offering unauthorized public Wi-Fi hotspot services in violation of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap. 103, which mandates the Commission to regulate telecommunications, broadcasting, radio communications, postal services, data communications and related infrastructure.
UCC warned that unlicensed providers expose consumers to unreliable internet services, inadequate customer support, cybersecurity threats and possible breaches of personal data.
“Licensing internet service providers is more than just permission to operate. It requires adherence to strict quality standards, safeguarding consumer information, providing customer support, and complying with cybersecurity regulations,” the Commission said.
It added that operators who provide services without licences deny customers adequate protection and limit avenues for redress in the event of disputes or service failures.
The enforcement campaign seeks to ensure that all public internet service providers operate within the country’s legal and regulatory framework while maintaining the same standards of reliability and consumer protection expected of licensed operators.
UCC has advised individuals and businesses currently offering unauthorized public Wi-Fi services to either regularize their operations by obtaining the necessary licences or cease operations altogether.
The Commission also urged internet users to obtain services only from licensed providers or their authorized agents.
Consumers can verify whether an internet service provider is licensed by checking the official list published on the UCC website. Members of the public have also been encouraged to report suspected illegal public Wi-Fi services through the Commission’s toll-free line 0800 222 777.
The move comes as Uganda continues to expand digital connectivity under its national digital transformation agenda. Internet penetration has grown steadily over the past decade, increasing demand for affordable broadband services in urban centres, educational institutions, businesses and public spaces. However, regulators have increasingly raised concerns over cybersecurity, consumer protection and the proliferation of unlicensed communications services.
UCC said it remains committed to creating “a secure, innovative and affordable communications environment” that supports Uganda’s digital economy while protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the country’s communications infrastructure.
