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Accept payments for your business in Africa

Collect and make payments from 14 African countries. Mobile money, Credit/ Debit cards and online banking channels accepted

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Top Payment Gateways in Uganda for Local and International Businesses

Uganda’s digital economy is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by a surge in e-commerce and the widespread adoption of mobile money. Businesses both local and international are looking for secure, efficient, and scalable payment solutions that accommodate Uganda’s unique payment ecosystem while enabling global transactions. The right payment gateway can be a game-changer, enhancing customer experience, ensuring seamless transactions, and providing businesses with the necessary tools to scale.

With the dominance of mobile money services like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money, coupled with the increasing reliance on online banking and card payments, businesses must choose a gateway that offers flexibility, security, and affordability. This article explores some of the top payment gateways in Uganda, detailing their features, use cases, and what makes them stand out.


Why Payment Gateways Matter in Uganda

Uganda’s payment landscape is a mix of traditional banking methods and digital payment innovations. According to the 2024 Central Bank data, mobile money accounts for over 70% of financial transactions in Uganda, making it the backbone of digital commerce. Meanwhile, as cross-border trade and e-commerce continue to expand, businesses are seeking solutions that support international payments and multi-currency processing.

A robust payment gateway can:

  • Improve customer trust and transaction security.

  • Reduce cart abandonment by offering convenient payment options.

  • Enable businesses to accept payments from different regions and currencies.

  • Automate settlements and improve financial management.

  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and fraud prevention measures.


List of Payment Gateways in Uganda:




Top Payment Gateways in Uganda for Local and International Businesses


Elemitech: The Gateway of Choice for Global and Local Ambitions


Elemi is designed to simplify cross-border transactions and local payments, making it an excellent option for businesses with expansion ambitions. It provides seamless integration for e-commerce platforms, mobile applications, and service-based businesses looking to accept payments effortlessly. The platform provides an API that enables any business accept payments from local mobile money wallets (MTN, AIrtel), Credit/Debit cards and several local payment alternatives from 14 African countries.


Key Features:

  • Supports multiple payment methods, including MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfers.

  • Multi-currency processing to facilitate cross-border trade.

  • Scalable API that integrates with websites, mobile apps, and invoicing systems.

  • Real-time settlements to enhance cash flow management.

  • PCI DSS-compliant security to protect against fraud.


Elemitech enables Ugandan businesses to accept payments from regional hubs like Nairobi and Lagos while allowing global firms to tap into local preferences. Its combination of security, scalability, and ease of use makes it a leading choice.



Flutterwave: The Pan-African Powerhouse

Flutterwave has built a strong reputation across Africa, providing businesses with a robust payment infrastructure. Its extensive presence in over 30 countries makes it ideal for enterprises seeking international expansion.


Key Features:

  • Accepts payments via mobile money, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers.

  • Supports over 30 currencies, enabling businesses to serve international customers.

  • Provides an intuitive API and ready-to-use payment links for fast integration.

  • Advanced fraud prevention tools and analytics for transaction monitoring.

  • Strong partnerships with global brands like Uber and Jumia.

With its international scalability and seamless integrations, Flutterwave is a top contender for businesses aiming to scale beyond Uganda.



Pesapal

Pesapal has been a reliable payment solution in East Africa, offering a mix of digital and in-person transaction options. It is particularly beneficial for retail, hospitality, and SMEs looking for a stable and secure payment processing system.

Key Features:

  • Supports multiple payment channels, including mobile money, cards, and point-of-sale (POS) systems.

  • Provides real-time transaction reporting and financial reconciliation tools.

  • Integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like Oracle and SAP.

  • Offers merchant services tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

Pesapal is best suited for businesses that prioritize stability and local transactions over extensive international expansion.


DusuPay: Cross-Border Simplicity

DusuPay specializes in facilitating payments between Africa and the rest of the world. It is an excellent solution for businesses with international clients, such as remittance services, global freelancers, and e-commerce exporters.

Key Features:

  • Accepts payments via mobile money, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies.

  • Multi-currency support to ease global transactions.

  • Secure API for easy integration with online platforms.

  • Fraud protection measures to secure transactions.

DusuPay is an attractive option for companies that require seamless cross-border payment capabilities while maintaining access to Uganda’s local payment networks.



Yo Uganda: The Local Hero

Yo Uganda is a homegrown payment solution that focuses on mobile money transactions, making it ideal for businesses catering to local customers.

Key Features:

  • Full integration with MTN and Airtel mobile money services.

  • Bill payment options for utilities and essential services.

  • A simple, user-friendly interface for quick adoption by small businesses.

  • Fast and affordable transactions within Uganda.

Yo Uganda is an excellent choice for startups and local enterprises that want to leverage Uganda’s dominant mobile money ecosystem without worrying about international transactions.



Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Payment Gateway in Uganda

When selecting the best payment gateway for your business, consider the following factors:

  • Local Payment Support: Ensure the gateway supports MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and other local financial services.

  • International Compatibility: Businesses targeting global customers should choose gateways with multi-currency support and card payment options.

  • Transaction Fees: Compare the costs associated with each gateway to find a balance between affordability and value.

  • Security Measures: Look for gateways with PCI DSS certification, encryption, and fraud detection tools.

  • Ease of Integration: Businesses with limited technical expertise should opt for solutions with easy-to-use APIs or plug-and-play integrations.

  • Scalability: Consider whether the gateway can support business growth and expansion into new markets.


Final Thoughts

Uganda’s payment gateway landscape offers various solutions tailored to different business needs. Elemitech stands out as a powerful choice for companies looking to balance local and international payments, offering flexibility, affordability, and security. Meanwhile, Flutterwave and DusuPay provide excellent cross-border capabilities, Pesapal is ideal for businesses within East Africa, and Yo Uganda serves local enterprises effectively.

Ultimately, the right payment gateway depends on your business model, target market, and growth aspirations. Assess your needs carefully and choose a platform that aligns with your financial and operational goals to thrive in Uganda’s evolving digital economy.

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