Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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The government has defended an ongoing crackdown on unauthorised Wi-Fi and internet service resellers, saying the operation is aimed at protecting licensed telecommunications providers and ensuring compliance with Uganda's communications laws.
Speaking before Parliament, ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba said several operators have been illegally connecting to fibre-optic infrastructure and reselling internet services without the knowledge or consent of the rightful owners. According to the minister, many of the affected operators lack the necessary licences issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), making their activities unlawful.
Lumumba explained that the enforcement action was triggered by complaints from major telecommunications companies, particularly MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda. The complaints prompted a joint operation involving the UCC, the Uganda Police Force, and the affected service providers to identify and disconnect illegal operators.
The minister emphasized that the crackdown is being conducted in accordance with Section 22 of the Uganda Communications Act, which requires entities providing communications services to obtain appropriate licences from the regulator. She warned that enforcement efforts will continue against individuals and businesses engaging in unlicensed fibre connectivity and internet resale.
"The operators are connecting illegally to fibre networks and reselling internet services without authorization from the infrastructure owners," Lumumba told legislators, noting that such practices undermine industry regulation and affect legitimate investments made by licensed providers.
The issue sparked debate in Parliament after Mukono Woman MP Sheilah Ruth Amaniyo called on the government to halt the crackdown. The legislator raised concerns about the impact of the operation on small internet providers and communities that rely on affordable connectivity services.
However, the government maintained that while internet access is important, all providers must operate within the law and meet regulatory requirements established by UCC. Authorities argue that licensing helps protect consumers, promote fair competition, and maintain the integrity and security of Uganda's communications infrastructure.
The crackdown highlights the growing challenge of balancing affordable internet access with regulatory compliance in Uganda's rapidly expanding digital economy. As demand for connectivity continues to rise, policymakers may face increasing pressure to create pathways for smaller internet entrepreneurs to operate legally while safeguarding investments by licensed network operators.
Read Also:https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads...wn-on-illegal-public-wi-fi-providers.2451698/