Airtel Uganda, in close collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has laid a foundation stone for future collaborative initiatives aimed at boosting ICT access and innovation in Uganda.
This was during a courtesy visit by Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director, Mr. Soumendra Sahu (fondly known as Som), to UCC’s Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, yesterday.
Hon. Nyombi extended a warm welcome to Mr. Sahu, expressing his optimism about the partnership between UCC and Airtel Uganda. He assured the Managing Director of UCC’s continuous support in ensuring that Airtel Uganda delivers on its mandate while complying with Uganda’s regulatory framework. Hon. Nyombi also took the opportunity to commend Airtel Uganda for its exceptional compliance, which was recently recognized with the issuance of the 2024 Compliance Certificate.
In his remarks, Hon. Nyombi emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach between UCC and private sector players like Airtel Uganda. He noted that such partnerships are crucial for expanding access to ICT services, fostering innovation, and safeguarding the public interest. The UCC is committed to working alongside industry players to develop products that meet the evolving needs of the Ugandan people.
Mr. Sahu, in turn, expressed his deep gratitude for the warm reception, reflecting on the generosity and hospitality of the Ugandan people, whom he feels privileged to serve. He reaffirmed Airtel Uganda’s commitment to enhancing service delivery, ensuring that it meets the country’s growing communication needs while complying with regulatory standards.
A key point raised by Mr. Sahu during the meeting was the need to further drive the adoption of smartphones and other ICT devices across Uganda. He urged UCC to consider measures that would reduce the average cost of communication, making digital services more affordable for a larger segment of the population. Mr. Sahu stressed that such initiatives would have a profound impact on the country’s socioeconomic transformation, helping bridge the digital divide.
Mr. Sahu was accompanied by Mr. Godfrey Bakibinga, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, and Mr. David Birungi, Public Relations Manager, both of whom are pivotal to Airtel Uganda’s operations. On the UCC side, Hon. Nyombi was joined by key officials, including Ms. Susan Wegoye, Commission Secretary and Director of Legal Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Bbosa, Head of Public and International Affairs, and Mr. Geoffrey Sengendo, Principal Personal Assistant to the Executive Director.
This meeting signals the beginning of an exciting chapter in the partnership between Airtel Uganda and UCC, focused on accelerating digital transformation and enhancing ICT access for all Ugandans. Both organizations are committed to working together to realize these goals, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach every corner of the country.
In a significant move towards fostering deeper collaboration between Airtel Uganda and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Mr. Soumendra Sahu, commonly known as Som, the Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, visited UCC’s Executive Director, Hon. George William Nyombi Tembo, this morning. The visit marks a further strengthening of the relationship between the two organizations, ensuring continued support for the growth of Uganda’s ICT sector.
Hon. Nyombi warmly welcomed Mr. Sahu to Uganda, expressing his enthusiasm for the potential impact Airtel Uganda will continue to have in the country. He reassured Mr. Sahu of UCC’s unwavering regulatory support, highlighting the importance of ensuring that Airtel Uganda remains compliant with industry standards while delivering top-tier services to the public. Hon. Nyombi also took a moment to congratulate Airtel Uganda on its adherence to regulatory parameters, which earned the company the prestigious 2024 Compliance Certificate.
During the meeting, Hon. Nyombi emphasized UCC’s collaborative approach in working closely with licensees like Airtel Uganda. He stressed that this partnership is vital in advancing access to ICT services across the nation, fostering the development of innovative products, and ultimately ensuring the protection of the public interest.
In response, Mr. Sahu expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him by UCC, noting that the hospitality he has experienced is a true reflection of the Ugandan people whom he is privileged to serve. He reiterated Airtel Uganda’s commitment to not only meeting but exceeding regulatory expectations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to Ugandans.
Mr. Sahu took the opportunity to highlight Airtel Uganda’s strategy of leveraging its global network and resources to introduce innovative, world-class products and services designed to cater to the unique needs of the Ugandan market. He also spoke passionately about the company’s mission to drive digital transformation across the country.
One of the key points raised by Mr. Sahu was the importance of increasing the penetration of smartphones and other digital devices in Uganda. He urged UCC to consider affirmative actions that would drive down the average cost of communication, ultimately enabling more Ugandans to access affordable mobile technology. He expressed the belief that such efforts would significantly contribute to Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation by accelerating the adoption of ICTs in everyday life.
Mr. Sahu was accompanied by Mr. Godfrey Bakibinga, the Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, and Mr. David Birungi, the Public Relations Manager, both of whom are integral members of the Airtel Uganda team. Hon. Nyombi was joined by several senior UCC officials, including Ms. Susan Wegoye, the Commission Secretary and Director of Legal Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Bbosa, the head of Public and International Affairs, and Mr. Geoffrey Sengendo, the Principal Personal Assistant to the Executive Director.
This visit marks a positive step towards enhancing cooperation between Airtel Uganda and UCC, with both parties committed to working together for the advancement of Uganda’s ICT landscape.
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