By Dennis Otim

18^th June 2012:

MTN Uganda’s new Chief Executive Officer, Mazen Mroué, took office last week in the capital Kampala at a ceremony officiated over by the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.

Mazen Mroué joins Uganda from MTN Liberia where he was Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, Mroué was Chief Information Officer at MTN Ghana. Mroué has more than 16 years of professional experience in telecommunications and information technology management, and is a graduate of the Harvard University Executive Program in Leadership Development.

In Uganda, Mroué replaces Themba Khumalo, who has taken up the position of Group Operations Executive, in charge of thirteen MTN operations, namely Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Congo Brazzaville, Cyprus, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Liberia, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland, Yemen and Zambia.

At the farewell ceremony held at the Serena Kampala Hotel, MTN Uganda Chairman Charles Mbire applauded Themba for leading a number of successful initiatives during his three years at the helm in Uganda, including the launch of Uganda’s biggest 3G network.  Mbire welcomed Mroué to Uganda and urged him to continue the growth of the MTN Uganda operation and maintain its top position in Uganda.

Khumalo, in his farewell remarks, thanked the government for its focus on ICT infrastructure, and attributed the fast growth of the telecommunications sector in Uganda to the steady regulatory environment maintained by the government through the Uganda Communications Commission.

“I especially want to recognize the work done by the Uganda Communications Commission because the regulatory environment has helped the sector grow fast.” Khumalo said.  He also thanked the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) for making efforts to support the growth of the sector and always being available to work with companies like MTN.

ICT Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, commended Khumalo for his leadership and urged him to be an Ambassador for Uganda at his next posting.

“We know you will be our good ambassador out there. You are welcome to return frequently to continue supporting the growth of our ICT sector both in your official capacity, since you are still a highly influential member of the MTN Group, and in your personal capacity since you fell in love with Uganda during your time here,” Rugunda said.

Rugunda commended MTN for its role in Uganda’s national development, especially because the company’s success had attracted many more investors into the country.

“Telecommunications underpins growth in all sectors as it is the quickest transmitter of information from banking to farming. The contribution of MTN cannot be overstated, as its success has attracted more investment, enhanced tax revenue, contributed over 10,000 jobs and greatly improved national infrastructure,” Rugunda added.

Mroué emphasized MTN Group’s commitment to Uganda, and stated that MTN would continue to invest in infrastructure and new technology to enhance its customer value proposition.  END.  Login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories mid-week for our updates

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