Posta runs to the aid of disadvantaged children in Uganda

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, Posta Uganda joined hands with Community Outreach for Disadvantaged Children in Uganda, to raise funds and awareness of the organization. Community outreach is a registered project with the Government of Uganda, whose goal is to ensure that disadvantaged children in its care attain basic education through an innovative and creative manner for sustainable development. Through this partnership, Posta Uganda has provided space for the placement of donation boxes at the General Posta Office, Clock Tower, Nakawa and Wandegeya Post Offices, so that well wisher can contribute towards this noble cause.

The restructuring of the Human Resource function at Posta starts

In a bid to retain and attract new talent, Posta Uganda has embarked on the restructuring of its Human Resource.

Two prominent Human Resource consultancy agencies have been hired to:

1. Interview prospective candidates to fill vacant top and middle Management positions.

2. Asses the function analysis for all departments and select suitable candidates to fill the required positions.

Once this exercise is completed, it is expected that Posta Uganda will have a well motivated, professional and efficient staff that will push Posta to the next level. The Board has called on those who wish to take up early retirement to apply. An attractive severance package has been put in place to cater for those leaving the organization. The restructuring exercise is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.

The recently appointed ICT Minister pays Posta a courtesy call

On 2nd March 2009, the Minister of Information and Communications Technology Hon. Aggrey Awori, paid a courtesy call on Posta Uganda. The Minister used the visit to acquaint himself with the organization, and establish how his Ministry can assist Posta Uganda to fulfill its mandate. It should be noted that Posta Uganda is under the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. The Minister first met with the Board of Directors, after which, he had a one and a half hour meeting with members of staff, in the Parcels office. In his opening remarks, James Arinaitwe, the Managing Director, welcomed the Minister and congratulated him upon his recent appointment as a cabinet Minister. He assured the Minister that Management and staff are fully committed in transforming the Posta Uganda in to a profitable business.

Before she invited the Minister to address the staff, the Chairperson of the Board, Eng. Proscovia Njuki thanked the Minister for taking time off his busy schedule to visit Posta Uganda. She said that the visit was a symbol of the Minister's desire to develop the organization.

In her address, the Chairperson said, “The company has endured many challenges since its founding 10 years ago, but it is gratifying to say that Posta is now at a time in its history when it is re-inventing itself and getting ready to occupy a position of prominence within the communications industry. Posta is emerging from its past challenges to become a strong company; and I would like to use a few examples to demonstrate this optimism. Within the last six months we have tackled our long-standing liabilities totaling over US$1,000,000 which include: Bank loans, Dues to Universal Postal Union, unpaid Airlines charges, unpaid dues to Kenya Postal Corporation and other suppliers.”

She also pointed out that Posta is now in a better position to settle its statutory obligations to the UCC, tax arrears to URA and other creditors. Furthermore, she said that Posta has been able to achieve this milestone due to the disciplined use of resources, dedicated service and sacrifice made by the staff, and it gives hope that Posta is headed for a brighter future.

In her concluding remarks, the Chairperson said, “Significant challenges still lie ahead of us, and I am calling upon all the stakeholders especially the staff who work here to exercise greater understanding, collaboration, maturity of judgment, hard work often amidst sacrifices, and a heightened sense of personal as well collective responsibility. The Board of Directors and Management of Posta Uganda are blessed to be led by you, Hon. Minister, and we pledge to be loyal to you as we all endeavour to further transform Posta Uganda into a well-functioning 21st century company.”

In his remarks, the Chief Guest, Hon. Aggrey Awori thanked the Board for having accorded him the opportunity to visit and learn more about Posta Uganda, which he referred to as a key player in the communications industry and a vital component of his Ministry. He added that his Ministry is aware of the numerous challenges that Posta is faced with and Government is determined to assist grow the organization. He concluded by thanking the Board, Management and Staff for the exemplary achievements made so far. He discouraged staff from indulging in acts that bent on undermining the achievements, the future of the organization and the entire country.