Bank of Uganda has with immediate effect suspended Licenses of M/S Pivot Payments Limited under Section 13 of The National Payment Systems Act, 2020 a Payment Service Provider and a Payment Systems Operator citing threats to financial stability.

In a statement released today, Michael Atingi-Ego, Deputy Governor said, “In exercise of its powers under section 13 of the National Payment Systems Act, 2020, the Bank of Uganda has effective today February 29, 2024, suspended the licences of M/S Pivot Payments Limited as a Payment Service Provider and a Payment Systems Operator.”

He added that Bank of Uganda through its oversight role has established that M/s Pivot Payments Limited is conducting business in a manner that is detrimental to the best interest of the public and endangers the stability of the financial system.

Atingi-Ego guided, “All existing Pivot Payments Limited wallet holders are requested to report to Pivot Payments Limited premises located at Kololo at Plot 17, Golf Course road, Kampala to verify the wallet balances and Know Your Customer (KYC) information starting today,”

The Deputy Governor, Michael Atingi-Ego, emphasized that the Bank of Uganda should provide oversight and protection of payment systems in Uganda. This commitment is crucial to maintaining the integrity and security of the financial landscape, assuring the public that stringent measures are in place to address any threats or irregularities in the payment systems.

Stories Continues after ad

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed former Vice President Professor Gilbert Balibaseka Bukenya as his Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment and Sanitation.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement released by the State House on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, through the Presidential Press Unit (PPU).

“The Presidential Press Unit (PPU) wishes to inform the general public that H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. (Rtd.) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed H.E. Prof. Gilbert Bukenya as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment and Sanitation,” the statement read.

Bukenya, 75, a retired Ugandan politician served as the seventh vice president of Uganda from May 23, 2003, until May 23, 2011.

He also represented the constituency of Busiro County North in the Ugandan Parliament from 1996 until 2003 when he became Vice President, replacing Specioza Wandera Kazibwe.

In 2011, Bukenya stood for the post of Secretary General of the NRM but unfortunately lost to Amama Mbabazi.

In May 2011, he was replaced as Vice President of Uganda with Edward Ssekandi.

Bukenya’s surprise appointment as Museveni’s Senior Presidential Advisor comes against the backdrop of an impending cabinet reshuffle which has been making rounds in recent months.

The former Vice President and Bukoto Constituency legislator has in recent times been an ever-show at various state functions, and this perhaps explains why the President probably offered him the juicy role.

Mr Museveni has been appointing former Cabinet Ministers and Vice Presidents government officials as his Senior Presidential advisors, as the position attracts the benefits of a cabinet minister.

Stories Continues after ad

The landscape of financial payments in Uganda is rapidly evolving as consumers increasingly prioritize convenience and speed in their payment methods. The surge in demand for digital payment services reflects this trend, with mobile money transactions experiencing a notable 7.7 percent increase in volume and a 2.9 percent uptick in value, soaring to UGX 62.2 trillion in the quarter ending December 2023. In contrast, the value of debit card transactions remains relatively modest with an increase from UGX 532 billion to UGX 58 billion within the same period.

Amidst this shifting landscape, the benefits of card payments (convenience, security and zero transaction fees among others) provide another viable option for payments given the significant rise in bank account ownership from seven million in 2016 to over 23 million today. However, several myths and misconceptions among Ugandans continue to hinder their full adoption and usage in comparison to received channels like mobile money. 

In recognition of this challenge, Visa, in collaboration with the Ugandan Bankers Association, an umbrella organization for at least 34 supervised financial institutions, launched the Sasuza campaign in 2021. This initiative aims to create awareness and consumer education on the benefits and convenience of Visa card payments by encouraging consideration and trial. In this blog, we debunk the common myths that Ugandans have about card payments. 

1. Card Payments are Expensive

One of the most common misconceptions about card payments is that they are expensive. Some Ugandans believe that using cards for transactions comes with hidden fees and extra charges from merchants that make them less cost-effective than cash.

However, this is not true. Unlike mobile money transactions, all Visa payments attract zero transaction fees for every payment made by a card user. Visa, in collaboration with the Uganda Bankers Association, is educating customers about zero transaction fees as well as the Bank of Uganda’s circular banning the addition of surcharges by merchants for any card payments. 

1. Card Payments are Insecure

Another myth that surrounds card payments is the belief that they are not secure. Some people worry that using their card online or at a point-of-sale terminal puts their personal and financial information at risk of being stolen by hackers or fraudsters.

While it’s true that there are risks associated with any form of digital transaction, card payments are highly secure when proper precautions are taken. Globally, Visa has invested more than $10 Billion in technology upgrades to reduce fraud and enhance security which led to over $27.1 billion worth of attempted fraudulent payments across 122 million transactions, stopping fraudsters in their tracks in 2022 alone.

Furthermore, Visa is partnering with banks and merchants to implement these security features and educate consumers about best practices for card security.

1. Card Payments Are Only for Large Purchases

The misconception that card payments are only suited for large purchases overlooks the versatility and convenience they offer for transactions of any size. From buying a morning cup of coffee to investing in major appliances, card payments streamline the purchasing process for both consumers. 

Moreover, the widespread adoption of contactless payment technology has further facilitated the use of cards for small transactions, allowing for quick and hassle-free payments. As consumer preferences shift towards digital transactions, the notion that card payments are exclusively for significant expenses is rapidly becoming outdated, highlighting the adaptability and accessibility of card-based payment systems in today’s economy.

1. Card Payments Lead to Overspending

The myth that card payments lead to overspending is rooted in the misconception that the ease of swiping a card fosters impulsive buying. However, the reality is that responsible spending habits are independent of the payment method. Whether using cash or cards, it’s the individual’s discipline and financial literacy that dictate their spending behaviour.

Effective budgeting techniques, such as setting spending limits, tracking expenses, and prioritizing needs over wants, are crucial for managing finances responsibly regardless of payment method. With conscious efforts to cultivate self-control and financial awareness, card payments can be harnessed as practical tools for staying within budget and achieving financial goals. Thus, rather than blaming the payment method, empowering individuals with financial education and sound money management practices is key to fostering responsible spending habits in the digital age.

1. Card Payments are Only for High-Income Individuals

The prevailing belief that card payments are exclusively reserved for a select group of individuals perpetuates a misconception that undermines the widespread adoption of cashless transactions in Uganda. However, a closer examination of the accessibility and user-friendliness of card payment systems reveals a far more inclusive and accommodating landscape than commonly perceived.

Contrary to the notion that card payments cater only to a privileged few, most financial institutions under the Uganda Bankers Association offer debit cards to customers as a standard feature upon opening an account. This means that whether one is a seasoned professional, a small business owner, or a student embarking on their financial journey, the accessibility of debit cards serves as a gateway to a more convenient and secure mode of conducting transactions. 

Moreover, the user-friendly nature of card terminals and point-of-sale systems further enhances the accessibility of card payments to individuals across different technological proficiency levels. Designed with simplicity and intuitiveness in mind, these systems empower users to navigate the transaction process with ease, regardless of their familiarity with digital technology.

1. Contactless Payments Are Less Secure Than Traditional Swipe Methods

Contactless payments, allowing consumers to tap cards or mobile devices on terminals, have surged in popularity for their speed and convenience. Despite their rising acceptance, concerns linger about their security and vulnerability to interception or unauthorized access. compared to traditional swiping methods.

In reality, contactless payments employ advanced encryption and tokenization (a process of replacing the traditional payment card account number with a unique digital token in online and mobile transactions) which safeguard sensitive data against interception and fraud while ensuring data protection throughout customer transactions.

While no payment method is risk-free, the benefits of contactless payments—faster transactions and enhanced security—far outweigh perceived vulnerabilities. With ongoing advancements and industry adherence, contactless payments redefine convenience and security in modern finance, inviting consumers to confidently embrace their efficiency.

With these common myths and misconceptions debunked, we hope that you can freely and securely use a Visa card for your next payment – whether as small as UGX 5,000 for a cup of coffee or any higher transaction online as we progress to a cashless economy.

Stories Continues after ad

Doctor Matthias Magoola, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dei Group of Companies has been awarded a professional doctorate in management by the European International University of France.

Magoola however says President Museveni deserves praise for such achievements by a Ugandan scientist because, without his support, such milestones would not be possible.

He applauded Museveni for standing up for Ugandan scientists in the face of several hurdles they face to innovate.

“It is fair that we thank and credit him for these achievements,” Dr. Magoola said while applauding President Museveni, for supporting the Dei Biopharma drugs and vaccines manufacturing plant, being developed in Matugga, Wakiso district near Kampala, the first-ever biotech facility in Africa.

“These achievements are for Uganda and specifically for our dear President, for he has always stood up for the scientists in this country,” he said.

Dr. Magoola’s PhD award was announced by the University based in Paris, France, on February 19, 2024, at the 10^th International Excellence and Global Leadership Award by Fame Times International Excellence Awards in Bangkok.

Dr. Magoola was recognized at the coronation ceremony as the leading entrepreneur of Africa, who is creating thousands of professional jobs and is a published advanced therapeutics researcher and innovator, who has established the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing and also the first biotechnology products company in Uganda.

He has also established manufacturing for mRNA, gene therapy, and other novel biological therapies for the first time in an African country.

Dr. Magoola, a trained biochemist, has led the Dei Group over the years to birth a portfolio of sub-companies across diverse sectors, including the current development of the flagship biological drugs and vaccines manufacturing facility in Matugga, Wakiso District, in Uganda, being spearheaded by Dei Biopharma Ltd.

Dr. Magoola is recognized for his visionary success and achievements for innovative discoveries in advanced therapies, including the first US-patented chemical drug using N-Isobutyl-3, 4-methylenedioxy-trans-cinnamate compositions to treat malaria, the first mRNA universal vaccine against malaria, among other mRNA vaccines against neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, HIV/HPV (“mNRA-Based Vaccine Composition for Inducing Immune Response Against HIV and HPV” patented under certificate number 63921929 in the USA and ten more for untreatable diseases — all inventions patented in the USA.

Dr. Magoola, in the latest development, will next month lead a team of fellow scientists for a meeting at the US FDA to discuss their first product submission on innovation to treat cancers and severe anemia.

Dr. Magoola has also started technology transfer, and facility finalization in Uganda which will come within a few months.

Upon completion, the Matugga-based drugs and vaccines manufacturing plant, whose total cost is $1.1 billion, a relatively minimal cost compared to similar ventures conducted elsewhere, will produce a wide range of medicines and vaccines, including anti-cancer drugs and therapeutic proteins.

Stories Continues after ad

The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has launched a five-year Public Debt Management Framework aimed at managing public debt and other financial liabilities.

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija revealed that the framework, which replaces the one drawn in 2018, lays down strategies that balance the need for borrowing with the need for sustainable debt levels.

“Over the next five years, the focus will be on ensuring that public debt is maintained at manageable levels, while also investing in critical infrastructure, social programs, and other important initiatives that will drive economic growth and development,” Kasaija said.

Government established a number of institutional, legal, and policy frameworks to direct responsible debt management and acquisition in Uganda. These include the Charter for Fiscal Responsibility, Public Debt Management Framework and the Public Finance Management Act.

However, debt servicing has in the past continued to exert pressure on domestic revenues breaching the 2018 Public Debt Management Framework threshold of 12.5 percent of domestic revenues. Official data shows that the debt stock has over the last three years fluctuated between 48 and 52 percent of the value of the country’s economy (GDP), with experts warning that anything beyond this level could be dangerous. Public debt includes money borrowed externally and domestically, as well as arrears or financial claims on the government through delayed payments for services supplies, and other obligations.

Kasaija admitted that the government has broken several public debt safety points, which he says they want to correct through the new five-year Public Debt Management Framework.

 The new framework also plans to build strong relationships with international lenders and investors for low-interest capital, enhance risk management practices to mitigate the impacts of potential shocks, strengthen debt reporting and monitoring systems for transparency, and explore innovative financing solutions, including the use of green and sustainable bonds, to support our environmental and social goals.

As of the end of June 2023, the stock of domestic arrears, excluding local governments, was validated at 2.714 trillion Shillings.

“Arrears have increased under each expenditure category; the key areas being court awards, pensions, salaries, general goods, services, and development expenditure,” he said.

Under PDMF 2023, the government commits to strive to maintain a ratio where the total amount of interest paid on both domestic and external debt should not exceed 20 percent of the government’s total revenue, excluding grants.

The total debt service to revenues threshold should aim at reducing from 32.9 percent as of the end of June 2023 to 2 percent by the end of the framework. At the end of each fiscal year, there will be a full year-end review of debt management performance, in line with best international practice, and thereafter, the results published.

Regarding domestic debt, the Domestic Debt to GDP ratio will not exceed 15 percent. This was a high 18.7 percent last financial year. The domestic interest payments as a ratio of total revenues excluding grants is set at a maximum of 15 percent in the Framework. The broader objective of this PDMF is to secure government financing needs while considering the cost-risk trade-off, ensuring debt sustainability over the medium to long term.

“The introduction of benchmarks and limits in the 2023 PDMF assesses the cost and risk of the external and domestic debt portfolio, as well as contingent liabilities,” said Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury.

The Framework also gives the government specific principles and commitment to managing borrowed funds, some of them already laid out in other policies, regulations, and plans.

Among these, a ministry, department, or agency shall not be allowed to borrow from external financing for any project that requires government contribution if the funding is not earmarked or provided for in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework. The PDMF also states that the government shall not take on pre-financing unless the funds are accommodated and committed in the multi-year budget for repayment and there are no encumbrances on site.

Also, the government will not consider an Alternative Financing Modality unless the contractor fulfills the financing modality guidelines. On external debt, the Framework provides that the government shall continue to pursue concessional and non-concessional borrowing under strict measures. “Social and Human Capital Development projects shall be financed at concessional terms with a grant element of at least 35 percent,” it says.

Non-concessional loans with a grant element of less than 35 percent shall be contracted on condition that the projects provide an economic rate of return greater than the interest rate charged, while the project’s economic net present value and the internal rate of return is greater than 12 percent. “The effective interest rate on the cost of financing at any given time should be less than or equal to the applicable benchmark rate plus 250 basis points,” it adds.

The Framework also limits the value of any non-concessional external borrowing to 10 million dollars. MDAs will not be allowed to access new external financing if more than half of the ongoing projects under its supervision have exceeded the initial project period.

Where additional financing for a project is sought, the MDA shall be required to have disbursed at least 70 percent of the same project. The external commercial financing for the general budget will not exceed 3 percent of the previous fiscal year’s domestic revenue collection. In the five years of this framework, the government shall not issue a Eurobond on the international financial market.

Eurobonds are a financial instrument issued by the borrowing country or company in another country, and in a currency other than the issuer’s domestic currency. While Eurobonds are an easy way to acquire debt, they are dreaded because of the likelihood of rising interest rates along the way. This is because the interest rates can be influenced by the macroeconomic changes in the country where it is issued, including rising foreign exchange and interest rates.

Stories Continues after ad