The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is preparing to tighten its grip on illegal public Wi-Fi businesses across Uganda, warning operators who provide internet services without the required authorisation that they could face enforcement action.The planned crackdown follows a consultative meeting held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, involving the communications regulator, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
The discussions focused on the growing number of unauthorised Wi-Fi hotspots and their impact on legitimate businesses, government revenue and public safety.During the meeting, licensed internet providers operating under the Internet Service Providers Association of Uganda (ISPAU), led by chairman Godfrey Sserwamukoko, raised concerns about individuals and businesses purchasing internet packages from authorised providers and then reselling the connectivity to the public without the necessary licences or approvals.
Some operators reportedly obtain bulk internet through fibre-to-the-home connections, fixed broadband and fixed wireless access before distributing it to customers through public Wi-Fi hotspots. The practice has become a concern for licensed companies that invest in network infrastructure and must comply with regulatory requirements, taxes and other operating costs.The internet providers argued that unauthorised resellers create unfair competition by selling connectivity without necessarily meeting the same legal and financial obligations as licensed businesses. They warned that the situation could undermine companies that have invested heavily in providing reliable internet services across the country.Government revenue was another major issue raised during the discussions. Participants expressed concern that unregulated internet businesses could deprive the government of taxes and other revenue expected from properly authorised operators. They called for stronger oversight of the sector to ensure that businesses benefiting from Uganda’s growing demand for internet services operate within the law.
Beyond the financial implications, the meeting highlighted safety concerns involving internet equipment installed on public infrastructure. Some hotspot operators reportedly mount routers and other network devices on utility poles without the required commercial and safety approvals.Such installations can expose the public and maintenance workers to risks, including electrocution, while also interfering with the work of authorised technicians responsible for maintaining telecommunications and utility infrastructure.Following the discussions, participants agreed on the need to identify and stop internet operations that violate the applicable laws and regulatory requirements. The Uganda Communications Act, 2013, was among the legal frameworks cited in discussions about regulating communications services and addressing unauthorised operations.
However, the proposed crackdown is not intended to focus only on shutting down businesses. UCC and industry stakeholders also discussed creating a clear pathway for operators who are willing to formalise their businesses and meet the necessary requirements.The proposed guidelines are expected to clarify which activities require authorisation and explain the steps eligible operators must follow to become compliant. This could provide an opportunity for businesses currently operating outside the regulatory framework to enter the formal market rather than risk continued enforcement action.Participants also discussed improving billing systems and subscription monitoring to make it easier for licensed providers to track internet usage and identify possible unauthorised resale of connectivity. Stronger monitoring could help expose irregularities in how internet packages are distributed and sold to customers.Enforcement measures discussed include identifying and disabling illegal network access points, removing unauthorised routers installed on public infrastructure and addressing the importation of equipment that fails to meet applicable standards.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) was identified as a potential partner in addressing concerns surrounding unverified equipment imports and related compliance issues. Cooperation between the regulator, revenue authorities and internet providers is expected to play an important role in implementing the proposed measures.Despite the planned enforcement, stakeholders acknowledged the importance of protecting consumers who depend on public Wi-Fi for affordable internet access. Public hotspots provide connectivity to people who may not afford individual broadband subscriptions, as well as traders, students and other users who rely on shared internet services.
The challenge will therefore be to enforce the law without unnecessarily disrupting access to affordable connectivity. Operators seeking to continue serving the public may need to establish whether their business models require additional licences or approvals and take the necessary steps to comply.The latest discussions signal growing pressure on Uganda’s public Wi-Fi market as authorities seek to balance competition, consumer access, infrastructure safety and government revenue collection.For hotspot operators, the message is becoming increasingly clear: businesses that provide internet services must understand and comply with the applicable regulatory requirements. Those operating without the necessary authorisation could face disconnection or other enforcement measures as UCC and its industry partners move to strengthen oversight of the sector.
