Uganda fast-growing fintech scene has marked a new milestone. Juba Express, a long-standing remittance provider with reach in more than 120 countries, has partnered with Airtel Money. They have introduced an international payments service designed for simplicity, low cost, and mass accessibility. The move signals a shift in how cross-border payments can work in markets where data coverage, smartphone access, and high fees have long been barriers.
The new service allows Ugandans to send money to over 100 countries including key regional destinations like Kenya. They will use a basic mobile phone and no internet connection. Users simply dial 1851*4#. The reliance on USSD, rather than apps or data-dependent channels, reflects a broader industry trend. Meeting customers where they are, not where technology assumes they should be.
Airtel Money Director Japhet Aritho framed the partnership as part of a wider push to expand the utility of mobile money across borders. Juba Express Country Director Hassan Abdalla highlighted financial inclusion as the driving force behind the collaboration.
USSD-Powered International Payments Boost Financial Inclusion
Behind the scenes, Juba Express is taking a different route from many global remittance players. Instead of depending on long chains of aggregators. The company operates its own proprietary infrastructure and maintains physical last-mile networks in destination markets. According to Sitati Dawo, Innovations and Markets Lead at Juba Express, this model gives the firm tighter control over fees, security, and transaction speeds. It also allows for more predictable user experiences an area where many cross-border services still struggle.
Industry experts note that the partnership comes at a time when mobile-led regional trade is growing quickly, especially between Uganda and Kenya. The new service could reduce friction for traders and families who move money frequently but lack access to stable internet or advanced devices. It also strengthens interoperability across East Africa’s already competitive mobile money ecosystem.
Beyond convenience, the launch underscores a deeper shift. As fintech tools become more advanced, companies are rediscovering the value of simple technology that solves everyday problems. USSD, often dismissed as outdated, is proving increasingly relevant in markets where digital inclusion depends on accessibility, not sophistication.
The rollout begins immediately, supported by nationwide onboarding campaigns. For many Ugandans managing obligations across borders, the path to instant international payments is now more direct and far more accessible than ever before.
