KACITA Petitions Parliament Over Crackdown on Wi-Fi Hotspot Resellers

The Kampala Capital City Traders Association (KACITA) has officially petitioned Parliament to intervene in the ongoing regulatory crackdown targeting public Wi-Fi hotspot resellers. Representing an estimated 40,000 operators across the country, KACITA is calling for fair licensing requirements to protect grassroots livelihoods and bolster the expanding digital economy.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance, KACITA officials highlighted the severe impact of recent enforcement operations by the Uganda Communications Commission (URA and UCC), which have involved arrests and the confiscation of networking gear. Disan Kayima, KACITA’s ICT Director, told the committee that suppliers of essential equipment like routers and switches are severely affected, with numerous shipping containers currently impounded.

Traders are urging the government to cap license fees at no more than Shs 3 million, pointing to more manageable regulatory frameworks in neighboring Kenya. Operators vehemently denied allegations of hacking major telecommunications networks, emphasizing instead that affordable hotspot internet is vital for ordinary citizens and small businesses trying to survive economically.

In response to the petition, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba requested a two-week window to consult with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance and the Uganda Revenue Authority. She announced an immediate pause on arrests and the confiscation of imported equipment while consultations are ongoing. Meanwhile, committee chairperson Hon. Andrew Ojok cautioned traders against threats of striking or damaging internet infrastructure, urging operators to work toward compliance while pushing for reasonable regulatory standards.

Read the full report on the Parliament of Uganda.