Sylvia Wairimu Mulinge has catalysed incredible growth and transformation since assuming the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role at MTN Uganda on 1st October 2022. Born and raised in Kenya, Mulinge is a seasoned telecommunications executive with over two decades of experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nairobi.
Before joining MTN Uganda, she held various leadership roles at Safaricom, including Chief Customer Officer and Director for Enterprise Business. Her extensive experience in customer service, brand management, and digital transformation has made her a formidable force in the telecommunications sector.
Under Mulinge’s leadership, MTN Uganda has experienced exponential growth in its subscriber base. The company’s customer numbers surged from 16.7 million at the end of 2021 to approximately 21.6 million by the end of 2024, a 13.3% increase. Mulinge’s innovative strategies and strategic investments have driven this expansion, improving the company’s reach across Uganda.
In December 2024, MTN Uganda secured a 370 billion shilling ($100.6 million) investment to support growing demand and enhance service delivery. This investment is allocated for network expansion to improve connectivity and customer experience nationwide. Such a strategic financial investment highlights Mulinge’s commitment to sustaining growth and innovation.
Financial milestones
Impressive financial achievements have marked Mulinge’s tenure. In the nine months leading up to September 2024, MTN Uganda reported a 29.6% rise in profit after tax, reaching Shs 459.4 billion($124.8 million).
Service revenue surged by 20.1% to Shs 2.31 trillion ($628 million) during this period, with the data and fintech segments experiencing growth rates of 30.1% and 23.5%, respectively. These figures reflect the company’s robust performance and strategic focus on high-demand services.
The exceptional leadership of Mulinge has not gone unnoticed. In February 2025, she was honoured as the CEO of the Year across all 20 countries where MTN operates to celebrate her outstanding contributions to the company’s success. Additionally, she was named Uganda’s Leading and Most Admired CEO in CEO East Africa Magazine’s 2024 survey, further amplifying her reputation as a transformative leader.
Sylvia Wairimu Mulinge has been instrumental in setting new benchmarks within Uganda’s telecom industry by prioritising innovation, customer satisfaction, and social impact. Her focus on expanding digital and financial services has driven revenue growth and enhanced the overall customer experience, positioning MTN Uganda as a leader in the sector.
Estimates suggest that Mulinge’s leadership team has between 2,172 and 2,400 employees. She is committed to fostering talent and expanding the workforce to meet the company’s growing needs. This approach ensures that MTN Uganda is well-equipped to handle the increasing demands of its expanding customer base.
Sylvia Wairimu Mulinge continues to drive the company towards new heights, expanding its reach, improving financial performance, and enhancing customer experience, solidifying its position as a telecom giant in Uganda.
