The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has given unlicensed public Wi-Fi operators seven days to stop providing internet services and remove unauthorised equipment ahead of a nationwide enforcement campaign.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo announced the ultimatum during a press conference on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, saying the commission would target operators reselling internet access without the required authorisation.
The enforcement exercise will involve identifying and dismantling illegal installations and seizing routers and related equipment, according to the commission.
Thembo said more than 4,000 unlicensed operators were reselling commercial and residential broadband services across the country, undermining licensed providers and depriving the government of an estimated Shs148 billion in annual tax revenue.
The commission said the unauthorised networks also raised concerns about cybersecurity, data privacy, consumer protection and physical safety, particularly where equipment had been installed on public utility poles without approval.
“Under the Uganda Communications Act, no person may provide telecommunications services to the public without a licence issued by the Commission,” UCC said in a statement.
The announcement followed consultations involving telecommunications companies MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda, the Uganda Revenue Authority and members of the Wi-Fi Hotspot Association.
UCC said it would begin guidance sessions on Friday, October 16, to help operators interested in transitioning to legal operations understand the applicable licensing requirements.
The commission urged consumers to use internet service providers licensed by UCC, saying this would help protect their data and ensure reliable access to services.
The crackdown could affect consumers who rely on low-cost Wi-Fi sold by small-scale operators, particularly in areas where affordability remains a barrier to internet access. The commission’s announcement did not specify how many customers might be affected or whether licensed providers would introduce measures to maintain affordable access.
The enforcement plan comes amid efforts to expand digital connectivity, with regulators seeking to balance affordability and access against licensing requirements, consumer protection and fair competition.
UCC has not detailed the specific penalties individual operators will face beyond the planned removal of installations and seizure of equipment.
