Airtel Uganda has officially launched its Satellite-to-Mobile service in partnership with Starlink, in a move aimed at extending mobile connectivity to parts of the country beyond the reach of conventional network infrastructure.
The service is designed to provide connectivity in areas where mobile towers are unavailable or difficult to deploy, including remote islands, mountainous regions and national parks such as Murchison Falls.
The launch, held at the Marriott Hotel in Nsambya, brought together Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba, and Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu.
Speaking at the launch, Thembo said satellite technology could complement existing telecommunications infrastructure and help extend communication services to Ugandans living in hard-to-reach areas.
He noted that mobile network operators are required under their licensing obligations to achieve coverage across at least 90 percent of Uganda’s geographical area, including challenging locations such as islands, mountains and forests.
Thembo said the Commission would monitor the rollout of the service and require regular reports from the parties involved to identify challenges and ensure that the technology meets the required standards.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, said the development demonstrates how ICT can overcome some of the limitations associated with traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
She said the satellite service could help address Uganda’s connectivity gaps by reaching communities in areas that have historically been difficult to connect.
Meanwhile, Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu clarified that the service is specifically intended for locations without conventional mobile network coverage, including remote islands and mountainous areas.
The launch marks another development in Uganda’s efforts to expand geographical access to telecommunications services, particularly in areas where deploying traditional network infrastructure is technically or economically challenging.
By Charles Katabalwa
24th Sept 2026
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