For many parents in Uganda, school fees are a significant financial burden, competing with other essential expenses. With the third term underway, some parents are still working to clear outstanding fees before schools close in early December. Mobile money services, particularly MTN Mobile Money's MoMo, are increasingly being used to make school fee payments quickly and safely.
MoMo allows parents to settle school fees directly from their phones, eliminating the need to travel to a bank or school, withdraw cash, and join a queue. John Kisakye, a parent who uses MoMo, appreciates the convenience, saying it saves him time and allows him to make payments without rearranging his day. The service also reduces the risk of losing money and eliminates paperwork.
The MoMo School Pay service captures payments digitally, enabling schools to verify transactions and update student accounts. Jones Nekesa, another parent who uses MoMo, likes the fact that she doesn't have to carry a bank slip to school after making a payment. The digital transaction record is accessible on her phone, and the school can also see that the payment has been made.
MTN Mobile Money is promoting its service with a campaign that encourages parents to pay school fees using MoMo for the third term and win school fees for a year, worth up to Shs 6 million. Eligible customers can also access school-fees financing and pay for up to four children. Parents can make payments through the MoMo App or by dialling *165*80#.
Keith Tukei, Chief Commercial Officer at MTN MoMo Uganda, says the campaign aims to make school-fee payments easier while giving families additional opportunities. The service prioritizes education, a significant concern for families, and provides a convenient way to manage school fee payments.
Jemima Kariuki, Chief Product Officer at MTN MoMo Uganda, highlights the benefits of using the platform, including convenient payments, clear records of transactions, and the chance to win a full year of school fees. Parents can also receive 20% off back-to-school shopping at participating supermarkets.
The campaign also benefits schools, with institutions that accept school-fee payments through MoMo standing a chance to win a school van. MTN MoMo has already handed over school vans to two institutions, Jinja School of Nursing & Midwifery and Lucky Kids Academy in Bweyogerere.
Key points
- MTN Mobile Money's MoMo service offers a convenient, secure, and rewarding way for parents in Uganda to pay school fees.
- The service eliminates the need for cash transactions and paperwork, reducing the risk of losing money and making it easier for schools to verify payments.
- The campaign promotes education and provides opportunities for families and schools to benefit from using MoMo for school fee payments.
