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.