By Mark Kawalya
Airtel Uganda Limited has announced the appointment of Soomondra Sahu as its new Managing Director. He will take on the position effective December 1, 2024, following the resignation of Manoj Murali, who stepped down on October 31, 2024. Sahu’s entry is expected to bring renewed strategic direction to the Ugandan telecom market.
With over 20 years in the telecommunications industry, Sahu brings a wealth of experience. He joined Bharti Airtel in 2015 and has since held prominent roles. His most recent position was the as the CEO of Bharti Airtel’s Gujarat Circle. In this capacity, he led operational and strategic initiatives, underscoring his ability to oversee large-scale projects and organizational growth.
Sahu’s professional journey within Bharti Airtel also includes key leadership roles. These include as the Chief Operations Officer for Odisha and Vice President for various regional markets, including Goa, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Jharkhand. His tenure has consistently focused on operational efficiency and market expansion. He has driven value across different areas within the company.
Before joining Bharti Airtel, Sahu held various positions at Tata Docomo, Reliance Communications, and briefly at Asian Paints. This cross-industry experience has equipped him with a broad skill set that spans telecommunications and corporate management. His skills are expected to contribute significantly to Airtel Uganda’s strategic objectives.
The Airtel Uganda Board expressed strong confidence in Sahu’s capacity to guide the company toward ambitious growth targets. Besides his role as Managing Director, he will also serve as an Executive Director, with his position set for confirmation at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. This dual responsibility highlights the board’s trust in his strategic leadership and governance abilities.
As a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, a leading telecommunications provider, Airtel Uganda has made substantial inroads in the Ugandan market, offering a range of services from mobile telephony to broadband internet. Under Sahu’s leadership, the company aims to broaden its digital reach, improve customer interactions, and enhance its competitive position in the fast-evolving telecommunications sector.
The Ugandan telecom market, reflecting trends in much of Africa, is rapidly expanding due to rising digital literacy and a growing demand for high-speed internet services. Sahu’s expertise in scaling operations and his commitment to customer-focused service delivery are expected to strengthen Airtel Uganda’s market position. As he transitions into this role, Sahu’s experience is anticipated to drive Airtel Uganda’s pursuit of excellence and shareholder value.
