BAT Uganda has been named top employer in Uganda and Africa for the third time in a row by the Top Employers Institute, a global authority on recognising excellence in people practices.
BAT was among 15 companies crowned the world’s best businesses to work for, during a virtual award ceremony held on Tuesday, January 24, according to a press statement issued by the institute.
Globally, the BAT Group was certified as a Top Employer in 37 countries across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
BAT Uganda is a member of the BAT Group, a leading multi-category consumer goods business, with brands sold in more than 180 markets. BAT began operations in Uganda in 1928.
BAT Uganda has been listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) since 2000 and has 1,232 shareholders, of whom approximately 1,200 are local (East Africa) shareholders. The Company is in the business of distribution and sale of cigarettes in Uganda.
The Top Employer certification is based on an extensive review of employer practices across six human resource domains and 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being, Diversity & Inclusion and more.
Speaking about the award, Mathu Kiunjuri, Managing Director BAT Uganda said: “We are honoured to receive the Top Employer certification for the 3rd consecutive year. This certification recognises BAT’s diverse and inclusive culture as well as a purposeful and enabling working environment. Guided by our Ethos (Bold, Fast, Empowered, Diverse, Responsible), we are continually striving to maintain a workplace where employees feel well-supported, even through the ongoing challenging times. Our employees play a crucial role in the delivery of our purpose to build A Better Tomorrow by reducing the health impact of our business, driving environmental excellence and ensuring robust corporate governance across the business. We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to build a purpose-driven organisation.”
David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, said: “Reflecting on the demanding year that has, like the year before it, impacted organisations across the world, our global Top Employers have continued to prioritise going above and beyond to maintain their excellent people practices in the workplace. As a global Top Employer, BAT has proved their unwavering commitment to their employees on an international level that spans numerous countries. They join a small group of 15 companies that have achieved a global certification through the Top Employers Programme. We are excited to celebrate and applaud them for their achievement in 2023.”
The Top Employer certification process is conducted annually by the Top Employers Institute, an independent organisation that studies the employee offerings of major employers around the world.
Certification recognises employers that provide best-in-class employment practices, allowing employees to develop themselves personally and professionally, while driving business results. Participating companies undergo a rigorous assessment process which includes an extensive review of employer practices.
Several validation sessions are held where evidence of these practices is provided, and an independent audit of the findings is also carried out.