MTN Uganda’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
On December 3, 2023, MTN Uganda will stand united with the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), emphasizing the imperative need to secure the rights of individuals with disabilities.
The day serves as a crucial moment to spotlight the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), addressing barriers hindering their full participation in the nation’s development.
Dorcus Muhwezi, the General Manager of Customer Experience at MTN Uganda says the company celebrates several achievements in terms of promoting the rights and wellbeing of Persons with Disabilities.
She said in its pursuit of the ambitious goals outlined in “Ambition 2025,” MTN Uganda has placed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the core of its strategic initiatives.
“A key focus within the ESG framework is the promotion of diversity and inclusiveness. MTN Uganda recently embarked on a transformative journey to enhance its workforce by actively seeking to employ individuals with disabilities,” she said.
Muhwezi said upon a thorough review of its existing workforce, MTN Uganda identified a gap in the representation of people with disabilities. To address this, she said the company implemented a deliberate strategy during the recruitment process for its customer service workforce. The result was the successful hiring of five individuals with disabilities, namely John, Evelyn, Kenneth, Maureen, and Sam, who are now integral members of the call centre.
“During the three-month probation period, each new hire demonstrated exceptional skills and seamlessly integrated into the team,” she said.
“The inclusive and friendly environment at MTN Uganda, coupled with the support from colleagues, has fostered a workplace where individuals with disabilities are not only accepted but actively assisted when needed.”
Muhwezi said the company had initially designed its premises with accessibility in mind, including features such as ramps and disability-friendly washrooms. However, the hiring initiative prompted a thorough reassessment, leading to further adjustments to ensure that the workplace is optimally accommodating.
She emphasized MTN Uganda’s commitment to diversity beyond the recruitment phase. She said the company encourages internal mobility, allowing employees to explore opportunities across various divisions within the organization.
While those initially joining the customer service or call centre division often acquire additional skills and transition to other roles, MTN Uganda remains dedicated to actively encouraging persons with disabilities to apply for all available positions.
She said the transformative impact of this initiative is not only evident in the workplace adjustments but also the evolving attitudes and interactions among staff members. Acts of kindness, encouragement, and genuine acceptance have become integral aspects of MTN Uganda’s corporate culture, she said.
As a forward-looking company, Muhwezi says MTN Uganda aims to build on this success by intentionally hiring more individuals with disabilities, aligning its actions with the core belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected world.
She said through this commitment to diversity and inclusion, MTN Uganda is setting an example for the business community, fostering a workplace that reflects its values and aspirations for a better, more inclusive future.
