Mobile money services and financial inclusion in rural areas of Uganda: A case study of Bukomansimbi

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the level of usage of mobile money services for financial inclusion with a view of identifying challenges and strategies for enhancing financial inclusion among rural communities in Uganda. The study used a cross sectional study design using a quantitative and qualitative approach on study population of 150 Households and Mobile Money agents in Kitenda Sub County Bukomansimbi district. On the level of utilization of Mobile Money Services (MMS) the study found that although MMS were mostly used for airtime purchase, MMS were promoting financial inclusion as 7 in every 10 HH members often used MMS of cash withdraws and deposits while 6 in every 10 HH member used mobile money to settle bills. It was found that 60% of the rural communities found it difficult to deposit savings on their MM Accounts. MMS were rarely used for access to credit and handling of international remittances. The study found technical challenges in the use of MMS with network breakdown being the highest constraint. Utilization of MMS was also constrained by security issues such mobile robberies and fraud on MMS Agents. High transaction costs were significant barriers to MMS access and utilization. To enhance the financial inclusion through use of MMS, the study recommends that Mobile telecommunications operators should benchmark and invest in technology to ensure network availability to enable customers transact 24/7. Mobile telecommunications operators should conduct community sensitization and education programs through awareness interventions. Mobile telecommunications operators in liaison with MFIs and commercial banks or related financial institutions should deploy complementary and alternative e-banking platforms such as POS devices. The Ministry of Finance through Bank of Uganda should develop financial inclusion policies that recognize MMS in regular financial transactions and settlements.