Telecom operators and service providers need to work hard to see that telecom and mobile money penetrate considering the associated costs now. They must work harder to see that the needs of the poor people are addressed through these services. Out findings show that Ugandans are paying more in fees for their services than most East and Central African nations.
While the mobile money services offered through the mobile phone has emerged as a revolutionary service especially among the poor, the entire geographical divide of the country is yet to gain full access.
Uganda today has 325 banking outlets or about 750 including ATMs. With a population of about 33 million, it means the banks are serving just 18% or 5.4 million of the population including customers to microfinance institutions and SACCOs, according to reports.
Mobile phone telecommunication is at about 35% only meaning out of every 100 people, only about 35 people have mobile phones which represents new opportunities for growth of the mobile money and other products through the mobile phone.
Mobile phones have evolved in a few years to become tools of economic empowerment for the world’s poorest people across Africa. But for it to penetrate more, the world must take care of the cost issues.