MTN has confirmed that Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte, the CEO of MTN Uganda has been deported from Uganda.
According to a deportation letter signed by Internal Affairs minister Jeje Odongo, Win has been deported for compromising national security among other subversive activities.
However, MTN is concerned that they have not received a substantive reason for deportation of their CEO Win.
“MTN has not been notified of the grounds for the deportation and is working hard to establish precise reasons for the deportation,” the notice reads.
“We are understandably concerned about these developments and are engaging with the authorities to seek understanding that would lead us to resolving this matter.”
To ensure business continuity, MTN has appointed Mr. Gordian Kyomukama, currently Chief Technology Officer, as Acting Chief Executive.
“Our focus continues to be on delivering the best quality products and services to our customers. MTN Uganda is fully committed to respecting and operating within the laws of the country,” the notice reads.
This is not the first time MTN top staff have been deported for subversive activities. Recently, over 3 senior staff were deported. This has been predicted as the last nail on MTN’s coffin that could see their end in the Ugandan market. Apparently, government is considering not to renew their contract.
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN”. As of 30 June 2017, MTN recorded 232 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia.
