MTN on arrested, deported staff: We are ready to work within laws

Leading telecommunications company MTN Uganda has said it will remain fully committed to operating within and respecting the laws of the country.

This follows the arrest and deportation of two senior employees for ‘posing a threat to national security’.

According to Polly Namaye, the police deputy spokesperson says Olivier Prentout, a French national and Annie Tabura Bilenge, a Rwandan, were deported after an investigation by security agencies in close coordination with immigration officials

Prentout was the Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Uganda since July 2017 while Tabura acted as Head of Sales and Distribution

A short statement from MTN on Tuesday clarified that indeed both Mr. Prentout and Mrs. Bilenge have been deported from Uganda to their home countries, France and Rwanda respectively.

“On Saturday, 19 January 2019, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, Olivier Prentout, was arrested by police at Entebbe airport upon arrival from a business trip abroad. On the morning of Monday 21 January 2019, the MTN Uganda Head of Sales and Distribution, Annie Bilenge Tabura, was arrested by unidentified security personnel upon arrival at the MTN headquarter offices, in Kololo, Kampala,” the statement reads.

“MTN Uganda, together with all its employees, remains fully committed to operating within and respecting the laws of the country.”

Earlier, Namaye had commend the Directorate of Immigration and Citizenship control for strengthening the screening procedures at all border points.

“We strongly believe that the deportation of the two foreigners, who were using their employment as tools to achieve their ill motives, has enabled us disrupt their intended plans of compromising our national security,” said Namaye , ading, “We urge members of the public to remain alert and continue helping the police and its sister security agencies by reporting any suspicious activity.”