AFRICELL is a multinational company that has been operating only in Africa since 2001; the brand Africell was born and bred in Africa and has been shaped by the traditions and values of Africa.
Africell is market leader in Gambia and Sierra Leone with over 65% market share, and has captured 3rd market position in the Democratic Republic of Congo in less than two years of operation there.
Africell prides itself on being a household name and a role model for social involvement in the countries where we operate.
Africell is a multinational company with operations in four African countries, and over 2,000 employees (less than 5% of whom are expatriates).
Africell acquired the Orange Uganda operation in November 2014. As was previously announced, the company had been making losses since inception in 2007, and as such the viability of the company was critically at risk.
Africell had to plan and undergo a complete restructuring process involving the different aspects of the business, among which was staff restructuring. This latter part involved the termination of 59 employees – 15% of the workforce. This has been painful, but necessary as one of the steps to save the company and the 85% that constitute the remaining workforce.
The staff who were terminated were paid their terminal benefits as per the laws of Uganda on the same day of termination. However, after the termination was concluded, upon the request of the affected employees, Africell entered into discussions with them to reconcile the different benefit perspectives.
Half the employees affected have since signed final settlement agreements for their supplementary benefits after discussions with Africell, while negotiations continue with the rest.
The restructuring also involved the promotion of some of the existing employees to take on the responsibilities of the terminated employees.
It is also important to mention that since November 2014, Africell has recruited 46 new employees and created over 600 new indirect employment opportunities in an improved trade distribution system.
The recent allegations about Africell are ridiculous and preposterous. It is unthinkable that Africell would have to respond to these statements. They are unfounded and undeserving of comment. Africell’s heritage and history speaks for itself and is committed to operating successfully in Uganda.
Africell promises to provide a quality service in Uganda and to be an effective partner in social development in the long term.
We are here to stay, as we have done in all other countries where we operate.
