Soumendra Sahu, Airtel Uganda’s new Managing Director
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Airtel Uganda’s pioneering of 5G in the country and the expansion of internet access to remote areas makes it one of the most progressive companies, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance has said.
“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,” he said.
Dr. Baryomunsi, who was speaking during the Airtel Uganda’s New Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, recollected the ICT policy development journey that the country has undertaken that supports participation of private players like Airtel.
“I thank Airtel Uganda for participating in the liberal market reforms that started in 1994 and the contribution so far made. You made positive contribution to this with your recent listing of 20% of Airtel Uganda shares on the Uganda stock exchange under the National Broad Band obligations,” he noted.
Baryomunsi congratulated Sahu upon his appointment and posting to Uganda, adding that he has the full support from government and the President.
The minister also challenged the Airtel team to continuously listen to customer feedback, innovate and deliver world class products.
Sahu on his part thanked the minister 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.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance shakes hands with Soumendra Sahu, the new Airtel Uganda boss
“Airtel Uganda will continue to draw from the global reach of Airtel Africa and Bharti Airtel to comply with policy and regulatory obligations. We will also participate in the shared responsibility of connecting people and businesses to global opportunities,” he said.
He further noted that Airtel Uganda is commitment is to innovate and deliver products, services and solutions that are responsive to the needs of their customers while maintaining global standards and accountability.
During the colorful function, Sahu was accompanied by Godfrey Bakibinga, Airtel Uganda’s Director Legal and Regulatory Affairs and David Birungi, the Public Relations Manager.
Board approval
Sahu’s appointment was confirmed in a statement by the telecom’s company secretary, Dennis Kakonge.
“The Board of Directors of Airtel Uganda Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Soumendra Sahu as the Managing Director of the Company effective 1st December,” Kakonge’s statement reads in part, adding that the new appointee brings a wealth of experience and expertise from his past work experience.
Until his latest appointment, Sahu has been serving as the chief executive at Bharti Airtel Gujarati Circle.
Some of the roles he has held in Bharti include Chief Operations Officer for Bharti Airtel Odisha, Vice President-Head Sales in Goa and Maharashtra circles as well as VP-Head sales for Bihar and Jharkhand amongst others.
He has had an illustrious career spanning 23+ years in the Telco industry and has been with Bharti Airtel since January 2015.
Rich history
Airtel entered the Uganda Market on June 8, 2010 when Bharti Airtel acquired 16 Zain Africa operations. In 2013, Airtel fully acquired Warid Telecom Uganda in the first ever in-country acquisition in the telecommunications sector.
According to the 2023 prospectus, Airtel Uganda’s revenue-earning customer base grew strongly to 14.8 million which is 7.5% from the previous year, a testament to continued customer confidence in Airtel.
“Airtel Uganda’s revenue growth stood at a healthy 11.5% year-on-year, driven by growth across all business lines – voice, data, and leased lines from enterprises,” reads part of the prospectus.
In 2023 Airtel contributed to the growth of Uganda’s economy through tax contributions amounting to almost sh598 billion to the Government, and another sh29.2 billion in spectrum fees.
