MTN Communications Manager Val Okecho quits

The information reaching our news desk indicates that Va Okecho, the Corporate Communications Manager for MTN Uganda has thrown in the towel.

Okecho has been working at MTN since 2017. Prior, he worked for Capital FM as a presenter.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Institutional Management and Leadership from Uganda Management Institute.

On his LinkedIn page, Okecho describes himself as  “Experienced Radio Presenter with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. Skilled in Corporate Communications and Affairs, Stakeholder Management, Crisis Management, Public relations and Marketing.”

Our reliable sources have told us that Okecho is joining Vivo Energy for a yet to be established juicy position.

Ever since this year begun, the country’s leading telecommunication company has been battling an internal leadership crisis.

In February this year, MTN fired Anthony Katamba, the company’s General Manager of Corporate Services for allegedly threatening CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte and refusing to write a resignation letter.

He was also accused of leaking information that led to the deportation of the company’s senior managers.

The Chief Marketing Officer Olivier Prentout, a French national and the MTN General Manager for Sales and Distribution, Anne Tambura were arrested and deported for allegedly getting involved in acts aimed at compromising the Country’s national security.

Elsa Mussolini, the head of Mobile Money was also deported almost a day after Prentout and Tambura were evicted.

In the same month, Vanhelleputte was also deported for threatening the country’s security. He was ordered to stay out of Uganda indefinitely.

However, in May 2019, the CEO was pardoned by President Museveni and ordered the Immigration Department to remove him from the Stop List.

“As you may be aware …the President of the Republic of Uganda pardoned the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda Mr Vanhelleputte Wim Joris J, holder of a Belgium PPT No.EP336746. He is now scheduled to travel back to Uganda tomorrow Thursday 30th May 2019  at 1430hrs aboard South African Airways SA 160,” Internal Affairs Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo wrote on May 29, 2019 in a letter to the Director Citizenship and Immigration Control.

“This is…to direct that he is immediately removed from the immigration Stop List, and accordingly be allowed into the country. By copy of this letter, the In-Charge Immigration/Security at Entebbe Airport are accordingly asked to allow him access and immigration clearance through Entebbe VIP lounge. Treat as urgent.”