MTN MoMo Uganda has launched a campaign aimed at expanding its footprint in the remittances market. The company has also rolled out seamless cross-border payments between Uganda and Tanzania and a new partnership with Dubai Duty Free to strengthen remittance services for Ugandans abroad. Uganda’s remittance industry is one of the most vibrant in Africa, with inflows reaching $1.4 billion (about UGX5.2 trillion shillings) in 2023, according to the Bank of Uganda. Remittances remain the country’s second-largest source of foreign exchange after exports, surpassing coffee earnings. With more than 1.8 million Ugandans living and working abroad, MTN MoMo’s new campaign is targeting Ugandans in the diaspora and receivers at home who depend on money sent by relatives and business partners overseas. Through the new initiative, MTN MoMo customers will enjoy faster and more secure international money transfers, coupled with attractive rewards. Senders abroad stand a chance to win fully paid trips, while receivers in Uganda can win shopping vouchers worth UGX200,000, gift hampers, and other prizes. Speaking at the launch, Keith Tukei, Chief Commercial Officer at MTN MoMo, said the ‘Power to Be Borderless’ campaign is giving Ugandans the ability to stay connected to loved ones and business opportunities across borders. Uganda’s reliance on remittances is deeply tied to household wellbeing and small business growth. The World Bank notes that more than 60% of remittance inflows into Uganda are used for education, healthcare, and family support, while the rest is invested in small-scale enterprises. By integrating cross-border payments into its mobile money ecosystem, MTN is tapping into a market that is projected to grow further as digital remittance services replace informal cash transfers. The partnership with Dubai Duty Free is also expected to be a game-changer for migrant workers and business travellers in the Middle East. The Gulf region, particularly the United Arab Emirates, is a key hub for Ugandan workers, and official figures indicate that more than 150,000 Ugandans are currently employed there. Tukei noted that the campaign goes beyond rewards to support broader economic inclusion. “This campaign also reflects our broader mission to drive financial inclusion. “By enabling borderless financial services, we are empowering families, traders, professionals, and the diaspora community to participate in the economy without barriers. We are committed to being a trusted partner that delivers solutions which support the wellbeing of Ugandans at home and abroad,†he added. To participate in the promo, senders abroad can use MTN MoMo’s international remittance partners to send money directly to Uganda, while receivers simply accept their funds through MoMo wallets. Every transaction automatically enters customers into a draw, with winners selected through a randomized process. The more transactions made, the greater the chances of winning. The campaign will run until December 31, 2025, with winners announced through MTN’s official channels. MTN reminded customers that it will never ask for money in exchange for releasing prizes.
