Wendi Mobile Wallet, a digital payment platform developed by PostBank, has successfully facilitated the disbursement of UGX 520 billion to 10,589 Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) across Uganda. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s financial inclusion journey, enabling thousands of Ugandans to access seamless digital banking services.
Driving Financial Inclusion Through the PDM
According to George Kiyingi, Head of Agent Banking and Fintech Distribution at Wendi, the platform’s collaboration with the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM) program has been instrumental in expanding financial services to previously underserved communities.
“By aligning with the PDM, Wendi has facilitated the disbursement of UGX 580 billion directly to SACCOs across more than 150 districts,” Kiyingi stated. “This initiative has significantly boosted local entrepreneurship, fueled household-level investments, and revitalised small businesses nationwide.”
Wendi’s user-friendly platform streamlines transactions, savings, and withdrawals, making financial services more accessible to traders and farmers. With over one million active users and a competitive 10% interest rate on savings, Wendi is not only driving financial inclusion but also promoting a stronger saving culture among Ugandans.
Kiyingi emphasized that Wendi eliminates traditional banking barriers such as long travel times and complex paperwork. “By removing these obstacles, Wendi empowers individuals to capitalize on emerging economic opportunities in Uganda,” he said.
The PDM’s Economic Transformation Strategy
In his breakdown of the PDM cash flow, President Yoweri Museveni reiterated the initiative’s role in wealth generation. He outlined that each parish is allocated UGX 100 million annually, with beneficiaries expected to repay the funds after three years. Over five years, the parish bank is projected to accumulate UGX 800 million, facilitating continuous financial support for community enterprises.
Edward Katende, Coordinator of the Parish Development Model at Operation Wealth Creation, praised Wendi for bringing banking services directly to households. “Wendi has made banking accessible without the need for long-distance travel,” he noted.
When the PDM was introduced, over 3.5 million households were in the subsistence economy, with approximately 6 million Ugandans lacking access to banking services. At that time, despite the presence of microfinance initiatives, 16 million Ugandans remained financially excluded. Wendi’s arrival marked a significant shift in addressing these gaps.
Impact of Wendi on Local Communities
Moses Godfrey Otim, District Commercial Officer in Bukedea, highlighted Wendi’s transformative role. “In just three to four months, Bukedea disbursed UGX 16.2 billion to 16,725 people, most of whom had never been part of the traditional banking system,” he reported.
Kisiramu Twalib, Chairman of Bugonza LC in Nakalanga, Kaliro District, expressed gratitude for Wendi’s services. “Families no longer endure long, exhausting trips to distant banks. Instead, funds are sent directly to mobile phones with instant SMS confirmations,” he said.
Fred Gwigo, a resident of Nakalanga, Kaliro District, underscored the importance of financial security. “Wendi has enabled many of our people to launch businesses like poultry farming and coffee cultivation. However, users must safeguard their mobile phone PINs to prevent theft,” he advised.
Tumwijukye Annet, a mobiliser from Threads of Blessing in the Rwenzori Diocese, emphasized the importance of embracing digital banking. “E-banking is crucial for our group, and we are committed to learning and integrating it into our financial practices,” she stated.
Scaling Digital Financial Services
With over 6,000 active agents across Uganda, Wendi is dedicated to forging partnerships with government programs and community leaders to ensure universal access to financial services. The platform’s ability to process transactions in real time has eliminated traditional banking inefficiencies, reducing delays and improving financial access for SACCOs and individuals.
President Museveni, currently on zonal tours of the initiative, has expressed satisfaction with the PDM’s impact. He acknowledged the program’s role in supporting income-generating activities, including livestock and poultry farming. He also pledged continued government support, with UGX 100 million allocated annually per parish.
In Lira District, the President particularly commended Vicky Apio from Alingiri village for utilizing PDM funds to expand her farming project. “Apio has successfully grown maize, reared sheep, and acquired land for further development. District production officers must support such individuals in overcoming challenges like water scarcity,” he urged.
Strengthening Financial Literacy and Security
Beyond providing banking services, Wendi has recognised the importance of financial literacy. In partnership with CARE International Uganda, Wendi has rolled out training programs in Kabarole, Kasese, Gulu, Lira, Bushenyi, and Nebbi districts to educate users on digital banking and financial security.
As digital banking gains traction, Wendi has emphasised security awareness. “Some community members have fallen victim to fraud. Protecting personal financial details is crucial,” Gwigo Fred cautioned.
Wendi: A Game-Changer in Digital Banking
Launched in November 2023, Wendi Mobile Wallet was designed to enhance financial accessibility for underserved and last-mile customers. Since its inception, it has onboarded over 1.3 million subscribers and works with 6,000 agents nationwide.
Through collaborations with the Ugandan government, PostBank Uganda has utilised Wendi to support major initiatives, including PDM fund disbursements and relief payments for Bududa landslide victims. By continuing to innovate and expand its reach, Wendi is poised to play a pivotal role in Uganda’s journey towards digital financial inclusion.
