Sylvia Mulenge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, has been ranked top executive of the year among all the African nations where the telecoms company operates.

The announcement was made on Thursday at the MTN Global Leadership Gathering (GLG) gala in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mulinge, who assumed her role as CEO of MTN Uganda in 2022, was recognised for her leadership in one of MTN’s primary markets. 

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MTN, the largest telecoms operator in Africa with over 280 million members, acknowledged Mulinge’s exceptional performance.

In response to the recognition, Mulinge said, “What an amazing surprise! I am still processing”.

MTN Uganda’s achievements

Under Mulinge’s leadership, MTN Uganda has deployed over 550 5G sites and updated its 4G network, particularly in rural regions, to boost nationwide access.

She has also emphasised enhanced customer experience and social impact as major growth drivers. With 20 million users and a 54 percent market share, MTN Uganda has maintained its position as the country’s largest telecoms service provider.

In addition to Mulinge’s award, MTN Uganda received several other significant awards during the Group’s GLG awards gala night:

Group President and CEO Award – Y’ello Care: This award celebrates the impact of MTN’s 2024 ‘30 Days of Y’ello Care’ employee volunteer program, which has brought positive change to local communities.

Million Dollar Award – Best OpCo of the Year: This award acknowledges MTN Uganda’s commitment to operational excellence in line with the Ambition 2025 strategy.

Value-Based Capital Allocation: This award recognises MTN’s strategy of making strategic investments that are consistent with its long-term vision and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

Read also: MTN partners with Mastercard, Arifu to digitise 1 million businesses in Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire

Strategic importance of MTN Uganda

Ralph Mupita, MTN Group president and CEO, has emphasised the importance of improving operations in Ghana, Uganda, and Cameroon to maintain solid growth. 

He has previously stressed the importance of markets like Uganda to the Group’s expansion aspirations.

Mupita stated, “In our markets portfolio, the priority is to sustain the strong growth in markets like Ghana, Uganda and Cameroon while implementing the necessary initiatives to turn around the performances in Côted’Ivoire, Rwanda and Zambia”.

Mulinge’s recognition as CEO of the Year demonstrates that leadership in Uganda requires more than just corporate expertise but also an understanding of the Ugandan spirit.