The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr.Chris Baryomunsi has hailed telecom company, Airtel for greatly contributing to Uganda’s development.
Baryomunsi made the remarks as he officially welcomed Airtel Uganda’s new Managing Director, Mr. Soumendra Sahu.
The minister challenged Baryomunsi to add on the contribution made by Uganda’s maiden mobile operator to the social economic transformation of Uganda.
He congratulated Mr Sahu upon his appointment and posting to Uganda, recollecting the ICT policy development journey that the country has undertaken that supports participation of private players like Airtel and others.
He thanked Airtel Uganda for participating in the liberal market reforms that started in 1994 and the contribution so far made.
These include the recent listing of 20% of Airtel Uganda shares on the Uganda stock exchange under the National Broad Band obligations, the pioneering of 5G in Uganda and the expansion of internet access to remote areas like Kanungu, the constituency he represents in Parliament.
The minister also challenged the Airtel team to continuously listen to customer feedback, innovate and deliver world class products.
“The known challenges notwithstanding, continue to invest in the network, teach the customers and deliver the good service that we have now been accustomed to. Most of all, pay your taxes. You have the full support from government and the president” Dr. Baryomunsi assured.
While addressing the minister, Mr. Sahu thanked him and the government for the conducive policy and regulatory environment that has allowed Airtel Uganda to actively participate in the ICT transformation journey of this country.
He informed the minister that Airtel Uganda will continue to draw from the global reach of Airtel Africa and Bharti Airtel to comply with policy and regulatory obligations while participating in the shared responsibility of connecting people and businesses to global opportunities.
“Our Commitment is to innovate and deliver products, services and solutions that are responsive to the needs of our customers while maintaining global standards and accountability” Som said.
Mr. Soumendra was accompanied by; Mr. Godfrey Bakibinga – Director Legal and Regulatory Affairs and Mr. David Birungi, Public Relations Manager.
