UCC, Industry Consult on Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Operations

KAMPALA, 27 October 2026 – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on Tuesday convened the inaugural meeting of a committee tasked with identifying practical operational and licensing options for public Wi-Fi hotspot businesses.

The meeting, chaired by the Acting Executive Director, Ms Julian Mweheire, brought together Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), public Wi-Fi hotspot resellers, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Discussions focused on how hotspot businesses can operate within the law while contributing to internet access, respecting existing infrastructure investments and protecting consumers.

UCC outlined the existing licensing framework as the starting point for addressing issues surrounding public Wi-Fi hotspot operations. The presentation highlighted licensing categories and frameworks, including public service provider licences, communal access models and agency arrangements, as potential pathways for hotspot operators working in partnership with licensed mobile network operators (MNOs) or internet service providers (ISPs).

UCC encouraged the WiFi hotspot resellers to engage licensed operators to explore workable commercial arrangements before considering whether changes to the wider licensing framework may be necessary. The Commission further observed that the appropriate pathway depends on the nature of each business and the services it provides.

On their part, WiFi hotspot resellers highlighted the need for clear guidance, affordable routes to compliance and business arrangements that recognise their role in extending access. However, licensed providers emphasised the importance of protecting infrastructure investments and meeting applicable technical and regulatory requirements.

UCC emphasised that customers should receive the services they pay for, understand the terms of those services and have clear channels for resolving complaints. Participants also discussed concerns about communications equipment that may not meet applicable technical standards or those that could interfere with other networks.

UCC welcomed KACITA’s offer to support the collection of information about hotspot operators as part of the registration process, which was agreed on earlier as a regularisation imperative that is separate from any licencing or authorisation required.

The committee recorded six areas for follow-up: registration, information sharing, conditional cessation of enforcement measures during consultations, equipment type approval, engagement on business models, and consideration of whether the existing licensing framework requires review.

Hotspot operators are expected to consult their members and engage licensed providers on practical arrangements while UCC will facilitate further discussions where necessary. The committee is expected to reconvene in two weeks to review progress made.