Police crack down on unauthorised Wi-Fi resellers in Kampala

What the report says

Police in Uganda have started an operation in parts of Kampala targeting people and businesses accused of reselling Wi-Fi without the required approvals. The Independent Uganda reported that the enforcement drive has already covered Kasangati, Kawaala, Kasubi and Kawempe, with officials expected to widen it to other areas. The action is part of a broader push against public internet services operating outside regulatory rules.

According to the report, police and the Uganda Communications Commission have also been discussing the issue with telecommunications companies. The concern is that some operators are attaching cables and other equipment to poles, fibre routes and related infrastructure without consent. Companies say such activity can damage network assets, make maintenance harder and raise the risk of outages, while installations near electricity infrastructure may create safety hazards.

MTN, one of the companies mentioned, said it does not oppose community connectivity or related businesses, but is worried about unauthorised use of its infrastructure and the possible effect on service reliability and safety. The article links the current operation to a July 2026 UCC statement that announced nationwide enforcement against illegal public Wi-Fi services.

The report says the regulator wants providers to comply with licensing, consumer protection, data privacy and cybersecurity requirements. Officials say the goal is to protect telecommunications infrastructure, reduce service disruptions and push unlicensed operators either to regularise their businesses or stop operating.