Uganda Communications Commission to register WiFi hotspot resellers

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced plans to register public WiFi hotspot resellers and establish a multi-stakeholder committee to explore potential licensing arrangements. This move follows a meeting between UCC officials and the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) aimed at addressing the rise of unlicensed public WiFi businesses.

The registration exercise will collect data on the number of resellers, their locations, and the types of equipment used to help the regulator assess the scale of the industry. A committee will then examine legal frameworks to allow eligible operators to regularize their businesses. However, the UCC clarified that the registration process itself does not constitute a license or authorization to operate.

Representing providers, KACITA Chairperson Issa Ssekito has requested a suspension of enforcement deadlines to allow for further consultation and guidance on necessary compliance measures. The UCC previously estimated that approximately 4,000 unlicensed providers are operating nationwide, citing concerns regarding consumer protection, national security, government revenue, and fair competition.