Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda is the first Ugandan CEO of American Tower Uganda, where she oversees the expansion of telecom access and sustainable infrastructure.
In Uganda’s telecommunications sector, few figures stand out as prominently as Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of American Tower Uganda (ATC Uganda). She is the first Ugandan to hold the role at the company.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Makerere University and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University. This academic background, coupled with her status as a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), prepares her for senior management roles.
Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda joined American Tower Uganda in 2012, coinciding with the company’s launch in the country. She began as the Finance Operations Manager, quickly demonstrating exceptional operational intelligence and financial stewardship, qualities crucial in a sector that demands precision and strategic foresight.
She advanced in her career, taking on senior roles including Chief Finance Officer and Regional Treasury Manager, culminating in her landmark appointment as CEO in mid-2022.
Leading American Tower Uganda
American Tower Corporation (ATC) is a multinational operator of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure, managing more than 200,000 sites worldwide. Its Ugandan subsidiary manages over 4,300 tower sites across the country, providing the infrastructure mobile operators depend on to deliver voice and data services.
Since taking on the role of CEO, Ssemanda has focused on expanding coverage, particularly in underserved and rural parts of Uganda. This aligns with the wider objectives of the Uganda Communications Commission to extend reliable network access to a larger share of the population.
Industry reports note that ATC Uganda has expanded its tower portfolio in recent years. The company has also continued to invest in energy solutions to maintain operations in areas with low electrification rates. This includes a mix of grid connections where available, solar installations, and other alternatives aimed at reducing reliance on diesel power.
ATC Uganda has taken part in initiatives that link corporate activity to environmental sustainability. These include tree-planting projects in collaboration with the National Forestry Authority, though reported figures on the scale of these programmes differ. The company has also highlighted a commitment to supporting the global carbon-reduction goals of its parent organisation.
Representation and inclusion
Ssemanda’s leadership at ATC Uganda is pivotal as the nation pursues enhanced connectivity and sustainable development. Her role underscores the company’s commitment to balancing business growth with crucial social and environmental responsibilities.
Furthermore, as one of a limited number of women leading a major telecom infrastructure firm in Africa, her appointment holds broader implications for gender diversity within the sector. Ssemanda has been actively involved in initiatives promoting inclusive leadership, including those aligned with the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles.
