Africell Group, one of the telecom service providers has announced that it is winding up its business in Uganda and will cease operations in the country next month.
According to a memo this website has seen, Africell UG will cease operations on October 7, 2021 and its employees have been given up to November 30th when their employment will be terminated.
Management says, over the past several months, Africell Group has conducted a detailed assessment of the future of Africell UG and they believe that the opportunity to achieve this impact is greatly limited.
“We have therefore taken the difficult decision to permanently end Africell UG’s operations in Uganda” A Memo from Management and addressed to company employees reads in part.
According to the memo, as of September 6, 2021 (yesterday), Africell UG would no longer accept new customers and all through October, they will be helping their customers to switch to other operators.
“After careful consideration, Africell Group has decided to leave Uganda and focus on other opportunities for social and commercial impact. Doing so is the most sustainable way to fulfil our overall mission to advance the African telecom sector. Although Africell regrets the immediate impact this decision will have, we believe it is a justifies long term transition and we are closely supporting employees and customers” the memo adds.
The company says, the decision is being made “in the long term interests of the Ugandan telecoms sector.” However, Africell notes that their decision has an immediate impact on many people including its employees who they committed to treat with respect and offer support during this transition period. It adds;
“We are sorry to have to communicate the bad news. Africell UG values your hard work and thank you for your contributions to the company. You will shortly receive invitations to meetings with HR and dedicated support professionals during which you will have an opportunity to discuss your personal situation and ask further questions”
In addition to full salary and benefits, Africell stated that during this notice period, employees will receive severance pay, annual leave allowance, repatriation pay, and training as well as professional support services.
Africell now joins other multinational businesses which have announced closure of business in Uganda including Game Store Luggogo and Shoprite.