Just like at Safaricom PLC, where she was the Head of the Business Unit; Sylvia Mulinge is turning MTN Uganda into a rogue outfit.
She exported her Kenyan-ness and subverted the country’s curfew and restriction laws against the deadly Ebola Virus.
The MTN Kampala Marathon that was flagged off by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has raised eyebrows over the selective application of the law against the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus.
The marathon, a major event, was organised at a time when the country closed its schools, placed the central districts of Mubende and Kassanda under restrictive movement and is monitoring and restricting travel out of the country as well as encouraging social distancing in a bid to fight the spread of Ebola.
To make matters worse, the marathon which has a paid participation section, attracted over 22,000 runners after two years of absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic-related lockdown and restrictions.
“practising double standards”
A few days before the marathon, Uganda’s Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, had told a battery of journalists in Kampala, that the government is considering restricting or blocking people from travelling for Christmas, noting that the movements will spread the disease and make it run out of control. She said people were reckless and the disease could bring the country to its knees in a matter of weeks.
Now many are wondering whom to believe.
“They said it would spread Ebola. Today, the permanent secretary of the Health ministry participated in a marathon with thousands of people,” Opposition National Unity Platform party secretary-general Lewis Davis Rubongoya said while expressing complaint over NUP’s cancelled football match 120km southwest of Kampala.
Ugandans are reading mischief but thanks to a Kenyan who is used to impunity and operating above the law.
Sylvia used to impunity
Sylvia Mulinge is used to operating above the law.
Having been at the top of a company that oppresses Kenyans with exorbitant call and data charges, steals intellectual property rights without any legal consequences whatsoever, as it can pocket whole police stations and Judiciary, steps on the rights of other innovative tech companies that want to improve the payment industry in Kenya, she was just acting her norm.
READ: Video: Uganda welcomes Safaricom killer director Mulinge?
Ebola is a deadly disease with terrible consequences but in a show of might and to push on cheap PR, the MTN CEO couldn’t cancel the gig for a later date.
The Ebola virus has killed 55 people since it was declared in Uganda more than two months ago, according to the Health ministry. Over 141 cases have been confirmed, while 76 have recovered after treatment as health officials monitor the 764 contacts.
By disregarding all the above caution placed by the govt of Uganda, either through bribery of officials (which is well known in Kenya – case in point – Safaricom Vs Transcend Media) or through other means, Mulinge is just starting.
It is imperative to warn Uganda Youth as we did Ethiopian – CLICK READ THIS
Being the main event organiser, it was the prerogative of MTN to cancel it. That decision rests squarely on the CEO’s desk.
Brace for hardships.
