PostBank and MTN Uganda have jointly announced the introduction of “Wendi,” an innovative mobile wallet platform aimed at facilitating the seamless distribution of PDM (Parish Development Model) funds and supporting the government’s initiatives. Powered by PostBank, Wendi is an electronic payments platform that focuses on group savings, funds management, digital money transactions, and financial inclusion for unbanked communities in Uganda.
In Uganda, only 10% of the population has access to banking services, while 53% rely on mobile money solutions. As a bank dedicated to promoting financial inclusion, PostBank recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between banked and unbanked individuals. By investing in a mobile wallet solution like Wendi, the bank aims to provide access to financial resources for the majority of Ugandans, especially those living in rural areas, enabling them to participate in the government’s development goals.
Wendi is available for download on the Google Play Store and can be accessed through a *229# USSD code. The platform offers a wide range of mobile transactions, including utility bill payments for services such as Umeme, URA, NWSC, TV subscriptions, and school fees. Customers can also make payments for goods and services and engage in business-to-wallet (B2W) and wallet-to-business (W2B) transactions. To ensure widespread accessibility, over 3000 Wendi agents will be stationed nationwide within the next year.
To support this initiative, PostBank and MTN Uganda have provided 170 smartphone devices to SACCO representatives in Bukedea. These representatives will use the 5G-enabled smartphones to facilitate convenient and timely transfers of PDM funds to beneficiaries’ mobile money accounts. Additionally, PostBank plans to equip all SACCOs with accounts with the necessary gadgets.
Norah Anyakoit, the deputy chief administrative officer of Bukedea District, expressed her optimism about the launch of Wendi, emphasizing the potential for people to save on transportation costs and time when receiving PDM funds. She believes that improved access to these funds will stimulate faster economic development within the parishes.
Julius Kakeeto, the Managing Director of PostBank, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with MTN Uganda, highlighting its significance in the bank’s ongoing digital transformation journey. He sees Wendi not just as a platform but as a symbol of hope and a bank for SACCOs, empowering communities, reducing financial burdens, and fostering inclusive growth.
Julius added, “Wendi combines convenience, affordability, security, and financial inclusion to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge reaffirmed the company’s commitment to customer growth and contribution to Uganda’s economic development. As advocates of financial inclusion through their mobile money services, MTN sees the partnership with PostBank and the introduction of the Wendi mobile wallet as a significant milestone for Ugandans.
Andrew Kabeera, PostBank’s Executive Director and Chief Digital Financial Services Officer, assured customers that Wendi represents the future of banking, especially in the internet space. He emphasized PostBank’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of security and data privacy for its customers. Wendi has been built with robust security systems, including encryption and multi-factor authentication, to ensure secure transactions and protect customers’ information.
