The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has defended its decision to intensify operations against unlicensed public Wi-Fi providers, insisting that the move is necessary to safeguard internet users, maintain order in the telecommunications sector, and protect the integrity of the country’s growing digital economy. The regulator says compliance with licensing requirements is essential for all operators offering internet services to the public.
According to UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, public Wi-Fi businesses have played a significant role in expanding internet access and creating employment opportunities, particularly among young people. However, he emphasized that innovation and entrepreneurship must operate within established legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability and public trust.
Thembo noted that the telecommunications sector handles vast amounts of sensitive information, including personal data, financial transactions, and business communications. As a result, the government cannot allow internet service providers to operate outside regulatory oversight, as this could expose consumers to security risks and undermine confidence in digital services.
The ongoing enforcement campaign follows concerns that several operators have been offering public internet services without the necessary authorization from the Commission. UCC argues that allowing such businesses to continue operating unchecked would create an uneven playing field and disadvantage licensed companies that invest heavily in meeting regulatory obligations and technical standards.
The regulator further warned that failure to enforce compliance could encourage disorder within the communications industry, potentially affecting service quality and consumer protection. Thembo stressed that regulation is not intended to stifle innovation but rather to ensure that technological growth occurs in a structured, secure, and accountable environment.
To encourage compliance, UCC has called on operators to regularize their businesses by acquiring the appropriate Public Service Provider (PSP) licences. The licensing process is conducted online, and the Commission says applications that meet all requirements are typically processed within two months. Officials maintain that obtaining a licence enhances business legitimacy and opens doors to greater opportunities within the sector.
In a move that could benefit smaller operators, the Commission revealed that it is exploring the possibility of introducing a special licensing category aimed at organized youth and women’s groups interested in providing public Wi-Fi services. The proposed framework is expected to lower entry barriers while ensuring that operators continue to meet industry standards and consumer protection requirements.
As Uganda accelerates its digital transformation agenda, UCC believes that responsible regulation will be key to sustaining growth and investor confidence. The Commission has urged all unlicensed operators to take advantage of available licensing opportunities, arguing that the future of the country’s digital economy depends on balancing innovation with accountability, security, and fair competition.
