Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has appealed to tech billionaire Elon Musk to restore Starlink internet services in Uganda, accusing the government of President Yoweri Museveni of using the shutdown to suppress free expression ahead of the January 15 general election.
In a public statement on his official X account, the opposition leader asked Elon Musk to ensure that he promptly restores Starlink internet service in Uganda, despite the country being in a celebratory period after the capture of Venezuelan dictator and former president Nicolas Maduro by President Donald Trump.
“Hey Elon Musk, as you cheer the fall of a dictator in Venezuela, here in Uganda your Starlink has disabled citizens’ access to its internet just days to the January 15th election in which we seek to peacefully end Museveni’s 40-year-old dictatorship.”
Wine alleges that, like other dictators, Museveni has seriously attacked the opposition in Uganda and has denied Ugandans their right to democracy and freedom of expression.
“Like other dictators, Museveni has suffocated free expression, engaged in mass killings, brutally persecuted the opposition, and suppressed citizens’ rights – among other atrocities,” Wine stated.
He urged Musk to reactivate Starlink services, saying internet access is critical for Ugandans to communicate and participate in shaping their future.
“Democracy dies in darkness,” Wine concluded.
Starlink Cuts Uganda Connection
The appeal comes after Starlink confirmed it had suspended services in Uganda following a directive from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
In a letter dated January 2, Starlink’s Director of Market Access, Ben MacWilliams, acknowledged receiving UCC’s complaint about the “illegal use of satellite internet services by individuals in Uganda.”
The UCC letter, referenced as LA/350, stated that Starlink Global Internet Services Uganda Ltd was not licensed to operate in the country.
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Starlink clarified that while its terminals were purchased and shipped legally, their use in Uganda was unauthorized.
“On 01 January 2026, Starlink implemented a new service restriction tool for Uganda. As a result, there are no Starlink terminals operating in Uganda,” MacWilliams wrote.
The company reiterated its commitment to regulatory compliance and expressed willingness to cooperate with Ugandan authorities to resolve licensing issues.
History Repeats Itself
The shutdown has sparked concerns among opposition groups and civil society organizations, who argue that internet restrictions undermine transparency during elections.
Uganda has a history of imposing communication blackouts during polls, with previous elections marred by social media bans and network disruptions.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking another term amid growing criticism over human rights violations and suppression of opposition individuals and parties.
The January 15 election is viewed by many as a critical test for the country’s democratic process.
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The blackout leaves millions of Ugandans cut off from news, social media, and vital communication channels, fueling fears of an election held in silence.
Bobi Wine’s Agenda
Bobi Wine, leader of Uganda’s National Unity Platform (NUP), has positioned his campaign around restoring democratic governance, ending corruption, and expanding the independence of Ugandans.
Wine has repeatedly called for transparent electoral processes and unrestricted access to information, arguing that internet shutdowns undermine democracy.
He pledges to end political persecution, guarantee freedom of expression, and uphold constitutional rights for all Ugandans.
Wine is also advocating policies to reduce poverty, create jobs for youth, and attract foreign investment through improved governance.
Recognizing the role of digital platforms in modern governance, Wine is urging global tech leaders, including Elon Musk, to support connectivity in Uganda as a safeguard against authoritarian control.
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