The chief executive officer of MTN Uganda, Wim Vanhelleputte, has initiated legal proceedings against the Ugandan government alleging unlawful deportation in 2019. The Belgian national, married to Ugandan citizen Babra Adoso Vanhelleputte since 2000, claims continuous ties to the country since 1993.
Vanhelleputte's affidavit states he has never violated Ugandan law and argues his removal by Interior Minister Jeje Odongo lacked legal basis. He seeks court declaration that the deportation was arbitrary, compensation for detention, and cancellation of the removal order.
The legal action coincides with reports of MTN Group CEO Rob Shuter attending the Africa Now Summit in Kampala in March 2019. The event, featuring leaders including Rwanda's Paul Kagame and Egypt's Abdel Fattah Sisi, focuses on regional integration and security.
