UCC KACITA: Uganda WiFi Reseller Enforcement Begins, Registration

• The Uganda Communications Commission met with KACITA on October 20, 2026, to address unlicensed public WiFi hotspots.
• UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo announced a multi-stakeholder committee to explore licensing for WiFi resellers.
• A registration exercise for all WiFi hotspot resellers will commence to gather operational details.
• The previously communicated compliance deadline for public WiFi providers will not be extended by the UCC.
• KACITA requested a suspension of the enforcement deadline and guidance on regulatory compliance.

The UCC's enforcement measures and ongoing dialogues are fundamentally aimed at ensuring that all entities providing public internet services in Uganda adhere to the nation's established legal and regulatory framework.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) convened a significant meeting on October 20, 2026, with representatives from the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA). This engagement forms part of the Commission's ongoing strategy to tackle the widespread issue of unlicensed public WiFi hotspots operating across Uganda. The gathering in Kampala followed previous discussions with the traders' association and a series of public notices issued by the regulatory body concerning this matter.

This latest interaction was preceded by a press conference held the previous week. During this event, the UCC, in collaboration with licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs), various operators, and relevant government agencies, publicly declared its intention to initiate targeted enforcement actions against providers of illegal public WiFi services. Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of the UCC, used that platform to commit to engaging directly with WiFi hotspot operators, aiming to explore viable pathways for them to formalize their businesses in accordance with existing laws.

During the October 20 meeting, Executive Director Thembo unveiled two key initiatives designed to bring order to the public WiFi sector. Firstly, he announced the immediate formation of a multi-stakeholder committee. The primary mandate of this committee will be to thoroughly examine potential licensing arrangements specifically tailored for WiFi hotspot resellers. The ultimate goal is to identify and establish a legitimate framework under which eligible operators can continue their business activities legally.

Secondly, Thembo also declared the commencement of a comprehensive registration exercise targeting all WiFi hotspot resellers. This exercise is designed to gather crucial operational data, including the total number of resellers, their geographical locations, the types of equipment they utilize, and other pertinent operational specifics. The Commission anticipates that this data collection will provide a clearer understanding of the sector's nature and scale, thereby informing future regulatory interventions and engagements more effectively.

The UCC's enforcement measures and ongoing dialogues are fundamentally aimed at ensuring that all entities providing public internet services in Uganda adhere to the nation's established legal and regulatory framework. This includes meeting stipulated standards for accountability, service quality, and reliability. The overarching objectives driving these efforts are to foster fair competition within the digital landscape, safeguard consumer interests, and cultivate a secure and dependable digital environment for all users.

Despite the initiation of these new processes, the previously communicated compliance deadline remains unchanged. Executive Director Thembo explicitly stated that the Commission is unable to extend this deadline or legitimize operations that are currently unlawful. However, he indicated that the ongoing discussions would be given the necessary time to explore potential solutions. In response, Issa Ssekito, Chairperson of KACITA, speaking on behalf of the WiFi hotspot providers, presented a statement requesting a suspension of the enforcement deadline to allow for further consultations. KACITA also appealed to the UCC for clear guidance on the appropriate licensing or regulatory arrangements required for their members to achieve compliance.

Lawyers advising businesses operating public WiFi hotspots in Uganda must inform clients about the UCC's impending enforcement actions, the new mandatory registration exercise for all WiFi resellers, and the ongoing multi-stakeholder discussions to establish a lawful licensing framework. Clients should be advised to participate in the registration and monitor developments closely to ensure compliance and avoid penalties, as the compliance deadline has not been extended.

Source: Reporting based on an industry update from October 20, 2026.