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By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has raised concerns about the potential cybersecurity and network risks posed by telecommunications equipment deployed by unauthorised Wi-Fi hotspot operators.
Ibrahim Bbosa, the commission’s Head of Public and International Relations, said telecommunications equipment must comply with applicable technical standards and approval requirements to ensure that it operates safely within Uganda’s communications infrastructure.
In a video interview discussing the regulation of Wi-Fi hotspots, Bbosa said the commission needs to know what communication equipment is being imported and deployed in the country to assess its suitability and potential impact on existing networks.
He warned that equipment operating outside the required regulatory oversight could create vulnerabilities, including the potential for misuse in cyber-related harm.
Bbosa said the concerns extend beyond routers to the broader responsibilities associated with providing commercial telecommunications services.
He explained that licensed operators are expected to comply with technical standards, maintain their networks, address cybersecurity risks and establish systems for handling consumer complaints.
According to Bbosa, unauthorised hotspot operators may operate without meeting the same regulatory obligations, making it difficult for the commission to monitor their activities and establish accountability when problems arise.
He cited the Uganda Communications Act and related regulations, including those governing licensing, equipment type approval and consumer protection, as part of the framework used to oversee the sector.
The remarks come as UCC intensifies enforcement against unauthorised Wi-Fi hotspot businesses.
On October 13, 2026, UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo announced that operators had seven days to voluntarily remove their routers and related equipment or risk having them seized and destroyed.
The commission is now reviewing its enforcement actions following complaints and letters from hotspot and Wi-Fi providers. A public notice was expected before the end of the week.
Bbosa said the regulation of communication services is necessary because of their implications for national security and the integrity of the country’s digital infrastructure.
He urged people interested in establishing commercial internet services to seek the necessary authorisation and ensure that their equipment meets applicable standards before beginning operations.
The commission’s review is expected to offer further guidance on compliance and the treatment of equipment used by affected hotspot businesses. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
