The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has met hotspot and Wi-Fi operators as part of its ongoing crackdown on unlicensed operators in the country.
Following Monday's meeting, officials disclosed that the operators had raised grievances and submitted letters and complaints to the UCC concerning the regulation of the industry.
“True to our ethos of professional honesty and fair regulation, the commission has taken time to thoroughly examine these concerns,” Nyombi Thembo, UCC Executive Director, said.
“We recognise that effective regulation must balance the public interest, which safeguards the foundational welfare of all citizens, with industry growth. Unchecked operations that bypass established public frameworks ultimately undermine the collective interest and harm the wider sector.”
Thembo did not disclose the specific concerns raised by the operators.
The meeting in Kampala followed earlier discussions on enforcement measures against unauthorised internet operators and compliance with relevant regulations.
“We appreciate the constructive dialogue and insights shared by Wi-Fi operators today,” Thembo said of the meeting, which he chaired on Monday.
He said the UCC remained committed to maintaining an environment in which the public interest was protected, while ensuring that infrastructure development, public safety and national revenue streams supporting essential public services were safeguarded.
“Moving forward, we will continue to engage collaboratively with all stakeholders to address these challenges, refine our regulatory frameworks and foster a sustainable, compliant and thriving digital environment for all.”
The UCC launched the crackdown in July under the Uganda Communications Act, which requires entities providing public telecommunications services to obtain an official licence.
Many local operators reportedly purchase bulk internet packages from major providers such as MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda and resell connectivity at lower prices under independent brand names without the required authorisation.
The UCC argues that unlicensed providers may fail to meet quality-of-service (QoS) standards, potentially exposing users to cyber security risks and data breaches.
Operators must obtain a Public Service Provider (PSP) licence from the UCC to operate a public Wi-Fi hotspot or internet distribution service legally in Uganda.
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