Manoj Murali is the new managing director of Airtel Uganda and he takes over from V.G. Somasekhar who will be returning to India to work with Bharti Airtel Group, the mother company.

Somasekhar, who had been here since August 2017, oversaw the company’s growth on various fronts, especially in the digital space after rolling out a countrywide 4G network.

When Airtel Uganda launched in the Ugandan market in 2010, he became the first managing director but in 2014 he was reassigned to India and he returned to the East African nation after 3 years.

The company became profitable in 2018 and it’s the second-largest telecommunications company in Uganda.

“It’s been a transformational journey since 2010. I have seen Airtel Uganda emerge as a leader, admired, and respected digital brand among consumers and all stakeholders,” the outgoing director was quoted as saying in a news release.

“I express my deepest gratitude for the support I have received from the Board, Management and Staff of Airtel Uganda, Uganda Communications Commission, Ministries and Government of Uganda.”

Raghunath Mandava, the chief executive of Airtel Africa, says Manoj has worked with the Group for several years and acquired a wealth of experience.

“Manoj has handled different roles and worked across geographies in India, the Corporate Office and the International operations of Sri Lanka, Seychelles and Channel Islands. His most recent assignment was as the Chief Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Prior to this he has held other roles including; Chief Operating (Executive) Officer in Rajasthan and Business Head (Chief Operating Officer) in Andhra Pradesh, amongst other positions within the system,” he said.