Housing Finance Bank Joins Forces with Post Bank, Pride Microfinance, and Airtel Money Uganda to Revolutionize PDM Fund Disbursement

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Housing Finance Bank has partnered with PostBank and Pride Microfinance Limited to unveil an innovative alliance with Airtel Money Uganda. This partnership aims to streamline the distribution of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds by the Ugandan Government, using the Wendi mobile wallet platform. This strategic move ensures that beneficiaries across Uganda gain convenient access to funds via Airtel Money’s extensive agency network, significantly reducing costs.

With mobile money services embraced by 53% of the population and only 10% having access to traditional banking, this partnership steps in to bridge the gap in financial inclusion. Notably, it holds immense potential to bridge critical gaps and amplify the Government of Uganda’s pursuit of its development goals.

The partnership launch, graced by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Nabbanja Robinah and Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, took place at the Kakumiro District headquarters. Present were Kakumiro district leadership and leaders from PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).

Wendi, powered by PostBank, serves as an electronic payments platform designed to connect unbanked Ugandan communities with essential financial services. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including group savings, digital money transactions, transfers, and more. The development of the platform addresses concerns about bank charges and risks during disbursement, enabling PDM beneficiaries to access funds through the Airtel Money network, bypassing traditional bank processes.

Mr. Julius Kakeeto, CEO of PostBank, lauded Airtel Money Uganda for its transformative efforts, highlighting Wendi’s efficiency in the PDM disbursement process. He emphasized that subscribers would receive funds directly to their phones, bypassing the need for a bank account and the associated manual disbursement costs.

Mr. Micheal Mugabi, MD of Housing Finance Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to uplifting Ugandans. He underlined Wendi’s role in promoting financial independence by providing services to those without bank accounts.

Mr. Japhet Aritho, MD of Airtel Money Uganda, reinforced the company’s dedication to financial inclusion, focusing on extending services closer to the people. Airtel Uganda’s extensive network of over 200,000 agent points eliminates the need for beneficiaries to travel for accessing or repaying PDM funds.

Mr. Edward Nkangi, ED of Pride Microfinance Limited, highlighted Wendi’s transformative impact, noting that the PDM funds can now seamlessly reach all Ugandans without the necessity of visiting a bank.

Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, praised PostBank and Airtel Money Uganda for the launch of Wendi. He emphasized the significance of Wendi as an intervention to support the government’s Parish Development Program by enabling easy access to funds through mobile technology.

The Minister encouraged PDM beneficiaries and the public to capitalize on Wendi’s opportunities by downloading the app and using it via Google Play Store, App Store, or the *229# USSD code.

Wendi caters to a range of mobile transactions, including utility bill payments, school fees, and more. With over 3000 Wendi agents stationed across the country, easy access is at the forefront of this transformative initiative.