UCC Uganda: Illegal Public Wi-Fi Enforcement Targets Unlicensed Hotspots

• Ugandan police, in collaboration with the UCC, have launched an operation targeting unauthorized public Wi-Fi resellers and illegal infrastructure installations in Kampala.
• The enforcement, which has covered Kasangati, Kawaala, Kasubi, and Kawempe, aims to ensure regulatory compliance and is expected to expand.
• The UCC's Executive Director, George William Nyombi Thembo, warned that unlicensed operators expose consumers to unreliable services, data privacy risks, and cyber threats.
• Telecommunications companies, including MTN, report that unauthorized attachments damage network assets, obstruct maintenance, and increase outage risks, while also posing safety hazards.
• Licensed providers are required to meet quality of service, consumer protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity standards, with the UCC urging unauthorized operators to regularize or cease operations.

Authorities contend that this UCC Uganda illegal public Wi-Fi enforcement is crucial for mitigating preventable safety, service-continuity, and business-disruption risks across the country.

Ugandan authorities have initiated a significant operation targeting unauthorized public Wi-Fi providers across Kampala, signaling a heightened focus on regulatory compliance within the telecommunications sector. This enforcement action, spearheaded by the Police in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), aims to curb the proliferation of internet services operating without the necessary licenses and approvals. Initial phases of the crackdown have already encompassed areas such as Kasangati, Kawaala, Kasubi, and Kawempe, with plans for expansion into additional regions.

The scope of this operation extends beyond merely unlicensed Wi-Fi resellers. It also addresses entities that install telecommunications equipment, including cables, on existing infrastructure like poles and fibre routes, without obtaining consent from the infrastructure owners. This unauthorized use of telecom infrastructure has prompted discussions between law enforcement, the UCC, and major telecommunications companies to address the associated risks and ensure the integrity of the national network.

This concerted effort follows an official statement issued by the UCC on July 8, 2026, which announced a nationwide enforcement drive against illegal public Wi-Fi services. Investigations conducted by the UCC had previously identified numerous unlicensed businesses engaged in setting up telecommunications equipment to offer unauthorized public internet hotspots. The Commission emphasized that while increased internet access fosters business opportunities, all providers of public internet services are legally obligated to adhere to national laws and regulations.

George William Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of the UCC, underscored the critical importance of licensing, stating that operators functioning without proper authorization expose consumers to a range of vulnerabilities. These include unreliable service delivery, potential violations of data privacy, heightened cyber threats, and limited avenues for seeking redress when complaints arise. In contrast, licensed providers are mandated to meet stringent requirements concerning quality of service, consumer protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity. The UCC has urged all unauthorized operators to either formalize their businesses by obtaining the requisite licenses or cease operations immediately, while also advising consumers to exclusively utilize services from licensed providers or their authorized agents.

The enforcement initiative is driven by a dual objective: to bring all public Wi-Fi providers into regulatory compliance and to safeguard critical telecommunications infrastructure. Telecommunications companies have voiced significant concerns regarding unauthorized attachments to their networks, highlighting that such installations can cause physical damage to assets, impede essential maintenance activities, and substantially increase the likelihood of service outages. Furthermore, installations situated in close proximity to electrical infrastructure pose considerable safety hazards to both workers and the general public.

MTN, a prominent telecom provider, issued a statement clarifying its position. While not opposing community connectivity or the businesses that facilitate it, the company expressed deep concern over the potential for damage, safety risks, service interruptions, and business disruptions stemming from the unauthorized use of its infrastructure. MTN affirmed its responsibility to protect its network and the vital services that depend on it, including calls, internet access, and mobile money transactions. Authorities contend that this UCC Uganda illegal public Wi-Fi enforcement is crucial for mitigating preventable safety, service-continuity, and business-disruption risks across the country.

Compliance officers and legal counsel for businesses offering public Wi-Fi in Uganda must urgently review their operations for full Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) licensing and regulatory adherence. Non-compliance now carries immediate risk of police intervention, operational cessation, and liability for infrastructure damage or consumer protection breaches.

Source: Original reporting via Independent (Kampala)