MTN Mobile Money Services Fully Restored After Temporary Shutdown

Mobile Money services offered by MTN Uganda and Airtel have been fully restored, bringing relief to millions of users and businesses across the country. Customers are once again able to withdraw, deposit, send money and make payments using the MoMo platform and the MTN Mobile Money App — after a period of disruption that began earlier this month.

The telecom operator sent out messages notifying users that services were back online. The message read:

*“Dear Customer! Mobile Money services are fully restored. Dial 165# or use MoMo App to withdraw, deposit, send money & make payments.”

Why the Mobile Money Services Were Switched Off

The temporary shutdown of mobile money occurred in the days leading up to Uganda’s national elections in January 2026. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed telecommunications companies to suspend certain mobile money transactions and internet access as part of broader restrictions enacted for “national security reasons” ahead of the vote. These measures were aimed at reducing the spread of harmful content online and curbing activities like voter bribery and misinformation.

While some basic functions such as sending money were gradually restored, access to withdrawals and full service remained unstable for several days, causing significant disruption to everyday life.

Impact on People and Businesses

Mobile money is a central part of the Ugandan economy. For many individuals and small businesses, it is the primary method for handling cashless transactions. When the service was disrupted:

Consumers were stranded. Many people could not access money stored in their mobile wallets, affecting daily spending and bills.

Businesses faced cash flow problems. Shops, traders, vendors and mobile money agents depend on MoMo for sales and commissions. With services offline, agents couldn’t transact, and many businesses saw revenues fall.

Utility payments slowed. Bills that are normally paid quickly via mobile money — such as electricity and water — had to be paid in person or through alternative methods, inconveniencing customers.

The broader economy felt the strain. Data shows Uganda processes huge volumes of mobile money transactions each month, worth billions of shillings. Interrupting these services had real economic consequences.

What Comes Next

With full service restored, users and businesses can resume cashless transactions and financial activities without disruption. Telecom companies and regulators are also likely to review how essential digital financial services are managed during national events to reduce the risk of future outages.

For now, the return of MTN Mobile Money is a welcome development for millions who rely on it daily for personal and business needs.