KAMPALA — Telecommunications sector regulator, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has commended telecom firms for waiving mobile money transfer charges in the fight against coronavirus.
Cash handling increases the chances of transmission of the virus which is a global pandemic as it increases physical contact between persons
Both MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda firms have announced zero charges on all mobile money transfers below UGX 30,000.
Before the move, it cost between UGX850 and 1100 to transfer cash below UGX30000 on MTN – MTN Uganda or Airtel to Airtel Uganda platforms.
The move also saw zero charges on the push and pull services between bank accounts and mobile wallets.
This, in turn, means that one can move money from their bank account to their mobile money accounts to pay for goods and services without needing to physically handle money.
UCC in a social media statement said: “This is a classic example of a policy friendly product and service in the public interest”.
This also reduces the chances of cash handling in the economy and consequently reducing the chances of transmission of the virus.
Prior to the development, there were few incentives to increase uptake of cashless transactions as users often cited high costs of transfers and access payments.
