There is a growing number of Ugandans using mobile transaction services which includes using popular platforms like Airtel Money or MTN Mobile Money to pay bills and for services. Effective 13th October 2021, Airtel Uganda has announced new tariffs that will be charged. Things are about to get a little more pricey for users.
ALSO READ: UCC sets conditions for Africell before they exit the market
In June 2021, the Bank of Uganda last month issued the required licenses to both MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited and Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited. The “red” telecom announced that they had separated and transferred the Airtel Money Business to their sister company Airtel mobile commerce Uganda Limited (AMC Uganda).
Airtel complied with the mandatory requirements for a new law called the National Payment Act, 2020. Under this law, all telecom firms that were operating mobile financial services are required to separate these services from their telecom operations. AMC Uganda took over the Airtel Money business and continues to provide the transaction services to the registered subscribers of Airtel Uganda, on the same terms and conditions.
The new rate increase by Airtel Uganda will only apply to all cash collection accounts/services except pay-TV, government, and parastatal accounts (including URA, NWSC, UEDCL, UMEME, KCCA among others). This means the new changes will not affect paying for utility bills. All other Airtel Money services will remain unchanged.
| Tariff bands (UGX) | Current Tariff (UGX) | New Tariff (UGX) |
|---|---|---|
| 500- 2,500 | 120 | 120 |
| 2,501- 5,000 | 140 | 150 |
| 5,001- 15,000 | 500 | 550 |
| 15,001- 30,000 | 500 | 650 |
| 30,001- 45,000 | 500 | 750 |
| 45,001- 60,000 | 550 | 850 |
| 60,001- 125,000 | 660 | 950 |
| 125,001- 250,000 | 950 | 1,050 |
| 250,001- 500,000 | 1,300 | 1,300 |
| 500,001- 1,000,000 | 3,350 | 3,350 |
| 1,000,001- 2,000,000 | 5,750 | 5,750 |
| 2,000,001- 4,000,000 | 5,750 | 5,750 |
| 4,000,001- 5,000,000 | 5,750 | 5,750 |
The new tariffs mainly affect transactions between UGX 2,500 until UGX 250,000 — which means that this range represents the biggest band where most people make transactions. The telecom company is set to rip more by increasing transaction fees for that range. Amounts above UGX 250,000 until UGX 5m (the maximum transaction limit) are not affected by the tariff changes.
