TOGETHER WE ARE SMARTER & UNSTOPPABLE: Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, dons an African fabric jacket he just bought from William Musisi Bategeka (L), a 27-year-old tailor and dealer in African fashions and fabrics. This was during the telco's visit to Jinja, to unveil the region's Chief Community Officer (CCO).

MTN Uganda is taking its community engagement initiatives to the next level with the appointment of Chief Community Officers (CCOs). CCOs, according to MTN, “are dynamic and passionate individuals who will be at the forefront of MTN’s efforts to better understand the needs and aspirations of various communities throughout Uganda”.

With a deep commitment to serving their fellow citizens, the CCOs will be instrumental in building stronger connections between MTN and the communities it serves. Through their tireless efforts, they will gain invaluable insights into the challenges facing Ugandans, as well as the opportunities for growth and development that exist in every corner of the country.

Armed with this knowledge, the CCOs will then work closely with MTN to develop a needs-led strategy that prioritises the well-being and prosperity of all Ugandans. Together, they will harness the power of technology to create meaningful change and build a brighter future for generations to come.

In line with the CCO initiative, MTN, on Tuesday, 21st February 2023, announced that it had appointed, David Nsiyona as the Chief Community Officer for the Busoga area.

“We are excited to have the Chief Community Officers on board. They are our eyes and ears in the community as we strengthen our ties with the people we serve. We believe that by understanding the needs and aspirations of our customers, we will be able to better serve them and create an even greater impact in their lives,” remarked Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer.

David Nsiyona, the just-appointed MTN Chief Community Officer for Jinja and the larger Busoga Region. He thanked MTN Uganda for its renewed focus on customers and for always keeping in touch with the community in Busoga.

Somdev said that the role of the CCOs is to establish closer relationships with various communities in Uganda, by engaging with them and listening to their needs and concerns. By doing so, he said, “MTN hopes to create an environment where communities feel more connected and supported and their voices are heard and addressed”.

Joseph Bogera, the MTN Uganda General Manager – Sales & Distribution further noted that by strengthening its relationships with the people at the grassroots level, “MTN will be better positioned to create sustainable value for its customers and the communities where they live”. 

“This approach aligns with the company’s mission of driving its strategy from the ground up and building a culture of community engagement,” Bogera said. 

Joseph Bogera, the MTN Uganda General Manager – Sales & Distribution dons a lucky tailor in Jinja Central Market. This is part of the telcos drive to create better community connections with its customers as well as identify, recognise and celebrate business leaders and hustlers, doing their best to change their lives and those of the people around them. 

He added that the CCO initiative is a continuation of the telco’s legacy of supporting various initiatives in the communities where it operates, such as refurbishing health centres and schools, as well as supporting local sports and cultural events.

David Nsiyona, who is also a distribution agent for MTN in the region, thanked MTN for its renewed focus on customers. He noted that MTN has always kept in touch with the community in Busoga, supporting numerous initiatives such as the Busoga Masaza Tournament, the MTN Busoga Kingdom Bicycle races, and other projects that promote the socioeconomic welfare of the people of Busoga. He added that the appointment of the CCOs is an extension of MTN’s goodwill and dedication to its customers.

The event to announce the Busoga area CCO was also attended by the Jinja City Council Speaker, Bernard Mbayo, who commended MTN for its support of the people of Jinja. “There are many more projects in Jinja that we can partner on that are mutually beneficial. We look forward to another meeting in another place,” Mbayo said.

According to the company,  the appointment of the CCOs is just the beginning. “MTN plans to appoint more CCOs to cover the entire country, creating a network of community leaders who will work together to build stronger connections between MTN and the communities it serves. By doing so, MTN hopes to create a better future for its customers and the communities they call home,” says a statement from the company. 

MTN’s appointment of Chief Community Officers is a “bold step towards strengthening its relationship with the communities it serves in Uganda,” the company said. 

David Nsiyona, the MTN Chief Community Officer for Busoga and Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, interact with Elisha Balabyekubo (right), a 28-year-old Jinja-based tailor with a heart for teaching and empowering the youth about his hustle. They also exchanged ideas on how MTN can enhance his hustle and dreams.  

“The company’s commitment to listening to its customers and creating value for them is an excellent example of how businesses can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” added a statement from the company.

In line with the CCO initiative, the MTN officials visited and recognised some of the business communities in Jinja that are helping transform lives.  

Some of the businesses visited included The Tusakimu Association’s thriving youth-led enterprise at the Rippon Landing site in Jinja, as well as selected youthful tailors at the Jinja Central Market.  

 “We are here to support your hustle. If you succeed, we also succeed; together, we are unstoppable,” Somdev told the Jinja entrepreneurs. 

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