Two MTN Expatriates Deported Over Meddling in National Security

Two employees of telecom company MTN Uganda, have been arrested and deported over allegations of compromising Uganda’s national security.

Deputy police spokesperson Ms Polly Namaye identified the suspects as Olivier Prentout, a French national and Annie Tabura, a Rwandan.

They were arrested on Monday at the MTN head offices in Kampala.

Ms Namaye said in a statement that security agencies in the close coordination with immigration officials have been investigating the two foreign nationals over their engagements in acts which compromise national security.

“We want to commend the Directorate of Immigration and Citizenship control for strengthening the screening procedures at all border points. We strongly believe that the deportation of the two foreigners, who were using their employment as tools to achieve their ill motives, has enabled us disrupt their intended plans of compromising our national security,” she said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

MTN Uganda confirmed the arrests and deportation of their staff in a statement on Tuesday.

“On Saturday, 19 January 2019, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, Olivier Prentout, was arrested by police at Entebbe airport upon arrival from a business trip abroad,” the statement reads in part.
It adds: “On the morning of Monday 21 January 2019, the MTN Uganda Head of Sales and Distribution, Annie Bilenge Tabura, was arrested by unidentified security personnel upon arrival at the MTN headquarter offices, in Kololo, Kampala.”
According to MTN Both Mr. Prentout and Mrs. Bilenge have been deported from Uganda to their home countries, France and Rwanda respectively.

“MTN Uganda, together with all its employees, remains fully committed to operating within and respecting the laws of the country.”