Dr. Elicana Nduhuura

Last evening, we held a high-level consultative meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to address the operation of unlicensed public Hotspots nationwide. We primarily focused on the widespread disruption caused by illegal public hotspot operations, market distortions, and the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of digital infrastructure. During extensive deliberations, licensed operators under the Internet Service Providers Association of Uganda (ISPAU), led by their chairman Godfrey Sserwamukoko, raised serious concerns about the proliferation of unauthorised public hotspots. It was highlighted that unauthorised entities purchase bulk high-speed fixed broadband, fibre-to-the-home, and fixed wireless access from licensed networks and illegally resell connectivity to the public without proper authorisation or tax compliance. We have noted that this practice creates unfair market competition, distorts pricing structures, and deprives the government of billions in revenue. Furthermore, they raised concerns about infrastructure safety, as unauthorised routers are frequently mounted on utility poles without commercial or safety approvals, posing serious risks, including electrocution and maintenance difficulties. The meeting acknowledged the complexities of the digital market and engaged in deep reflection on industry-wide compliance, consumer protection, and regulatory enforcement. Following rigorous discussions, the session reached agreement on critical aspects to govern the sector moving forward: 1. Addressing Illegality: There was an unequivocal consensus among all participants that unlicensed public Wi-Fi operations constitute an economic crime and a direct breach of the UCC Act, 2013. The meeting resolved that illegal operations must be systematically identified and halted to protect the formal telecommunications ecosystem. 2. Formalisation and Onboarding: We emphasised the need to establish a structured framework to integrate willing and eligible operators into the formal regulatory space. We are exploring robust onboarding guidelines, clear definitions of market activity, and fair compliance pathways to encourage legitimate business participation without compromising industry standards. 3. The discussions underscored the need for robust billing and subscription-tracking systems. We have agreed to optimise monitoring tools to accurately track data consumption, address pricing discrepancies and prevent market exploitation by unregulated resellers. 4. Enforcing Disconnection and Takedowns: To root out persistent non-compliance, members affirmed the implementation of strict enforcement measures. This includes the immediate identification and disabling of illegal network access points, the removal of unauthorised routers from public infrastructure, and active collaboration with authorities such as the Uganda Revenue Authority to block the importation of unverified equipment. While the transition requires a delicate, gradual balance to safeguard consumer access and market stability, decisive enforcement is non-negotiable. @UCC_Official remains committed to fostering a secure, competitive, and legally compliant digital environment that safeguards consumer rights, protects data privacy, and supports sustainable national development.

Today, we held a third constructive dialogue with Wi-Fi/Hotspot operators affiliated with the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), the National Entrepreneurs & Traders Association (NETA), and individuals dealing in the ‘business’. The meeting focused on establishing a balanced path forward that protects consumer interests, safeguards critical infrastructure investments, and promotes fair business practices in the digital space. To achieve a true win-win for both operators and consumers, I outlined key guidelines that must govern industry operations going forward; First, a dedicated industry committee will be created. Because collaboration requires structured dialogue, we will establish a joint committee comprising representatives from @UCC_Official, relevant state agencies, security organs, and 7 (seven) hotspot operators to streamline communication, address operational bottlenecks, and ensure continuous industry engagement. Operators must also comply with mandatory licensing and proper categorisation (for example, community licensing, as defined in the law). Offering telecommunications services without a valid licence is untenable, as licensing is essential to formalise operations, ensure industry sustainability, and reflect the true value derived from business activities. Furthermore, the Commission is introducing clear service categorisation to distinguish between different tiers of operation, such as home-use packages versus commercial resale, ensuring that wholesale, midstream, and downstream costs are fair across the board. A registration link will be created to identify the package type for each group and include costs and registration guidelines. Finally, the framework emphasises strict adherence to fair usage, tax declarations, and network integrity. Sustainable pricing means services must remain affordable, equitable, and compliant with national tax and revenue collection systems. Operators must move away from unfair practices, such as buying home internet packages exclusively for commercial resale, as some have turned it into a business by selling to neighbours, distorting market pricing and compromising overall network quality. We are regulators with a human face who understand the drive required to build a business, but compliance is non-negotiable to protect legitimate enterprises from unfair competition, secure consumer data, combat cyber threats, and ensure that Uganda's digital economy grows on a foundation of fairness. All these efforts are linked to the unconditional, voluntary stoppage of telecom services by unlicensed illegal operators. The seven-day deadline expired on Monday 19th October 2026.

Yesterday, I held an inspiring meeting with the legendary filmmakers and journalists Faustin Misanvu and the seasoned agriculturalist Bat Kakooza to craft a blockbuster project we are calling "Camera on the Farm". This initiative will bridge a vital gap by creatively connecting agricultural enterprises, local farmers, top-tier celebrities, influencers, and musicians. By bringing creative minds and media powerhouses directly into the field alongside expert agricultural extension workers, we are redefining how agricultural extension is delivered. We want to use this star power and multimedia presence across television, radio, and digital platforms to capture young people’s attention and interest, making agriculture aspirational at every stage from planting and acquiring seedlings to exporting and adding value. Whether we focus on coffee farming, matooke production, goat keeping, or poultry, our goal is to ensure vital information and best practices reach underserved communities that desperately need these services. This project is a true passion of mine, combining expert multimedia knowledge with grassroots farming to create something truly ambitious and exciting.