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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Starlink connectivity services have entered Uganda’s enterprise market following a partnership between Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda, opening another option for businesses seeking reliable high-speed internet, officials said today – Sept.3 in Kampala.
The service, powered by Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit satellite technology, is intended to serve businesses and organisations operating in areas where conventional fibre and wireless networks may be unavailable or inadequate.
The partnership also targets companies with operations spread across multiple locations and businesses looking to strengthen their existing connectivity infrastructure.
Edwin Kyambadde, Country Manager of Paratus Uganda, said the launch responds to connectivity challenges faced by businesses whose operations increasingly depend on reliable internet access.
“This is an important milestone for connectivity in Uganda because we are now able to address some of the gaps that businesses have continued to face, while also giving them another option to strengthen their existing connectivity,” Kyambadde said.
He said the partners would focus on understanding customers’ operational needs and designing connectivity solutions around those requirements rather than simply selling internet services.
The enterprise offering is expected to benefit sectors including construction and infrastructure, agriculture and agribusiness, tourism and hospitality, mining, education, healthcare, NGOs and government agencies.
In tourism, the service could help connect lodges and hospitality facilities located in remote destinations, while improved connectivity in education could support remote learning and access to digital resources.
Healthcare facilities could use stronger internet connections to support telemedicine and secure information sharing between facilities.
The technology also offers opportunities for connectivity on the move, including buses, taxis and other mobile platforms where reliable internet access is required.
Combining technologies
Peter Muhumuza, Chief Executive Officer of Roke Telkom, said the partnership reflects changing connectivity requirements among Ugandan businesses.
Roke is marking 20 years of operations in Uganda this year, while Paratus Group Holdings operates across 16 African countries.
Muhumuza said businesses increasingly require connectivity that works alongside their wider digital infrastructure rather than internet access alone.
“Connectivity on its own is no longer enough for businesses,” he said, adding that companies also need solutions that can integrate networks, strengthen cybersecurity and connect them to cloud services.
Under the partnership, Roke and Paratus will combine Starlink connectivity with enterprise services such as network integration, cybersecurity and cloud solutions.
This will allow businesses to develop connectivity packages based on their specific operational requirements, location and budget.
Customers will also have access to local billing and technical support, while the two companies will assess individual business requirements before determining the appropriate connectivity configuration.
While Starlink residential services are available directly to Ugandan consumers, Paratus Uganda said its initial focus will be on businesses and enterprises, particularly organisations with multiple locations or those seeking to strengthen connectivity across their operations.
Kyambadde said the combination of Starlink’s technology with Roke’s local experience would give businesses access to both international telecommunications capabilities and local support.
“The strength of this partnership is the combination of global capability and local heritage,” he said.
Muhumuza said Roke’s two-decade presence in Uganda had required the company to continually adapt to changes in the country’s digital economy.
He said businesses today expect to remain connected wherever they operate and increasingly want connectivity to integrate seamlessly with their broader digital infrastructure.
The partners said the introduction of Starlink-enabled enterprise solutions would give Ugandan businesses greater flexibility in connecting their people, locations and operations as the country continues its digital transformation.
