Lira, Uganda | Housing Finance Bank and Union Transport Alliance Uganda have intensified efforts to deepen financial inclusion and expand electric mobility in the Lango sub-region through agent banking and financing of electric bikes.
The initiatives were highlighted during an Agent Banking Forum held on Monday at Zegans Hotel in Lira City, bringing together existing and prospective banking agents from Lira City and the nine districts of Lango.
Daniel Okello, Housing Finance Bank Lira Branch Manager, said the engagement was organised to strengthen agent banking services and extend financial services closer to communities, noting that over 65% of Ugandans remain unbanked.
Okello explained that agent banking is helping mothers’ bank school fees, farmers safely save money, and traders conveniently send money for goods and merchandise without travelling long distances to banking halls.
He noted that the bank is committed to supporting local businesses, improving livelihoods, and financing a sustainable future through agents whom he described as “fellow bankers.”
Okello added that the bank aimed to ensure the entire Lango community accessed banking services by taking financial services closer to the people.
He urged agents to reconcile transactions on time, keep accurate transaction records, remain vigilant against fraud and counterfeit money, and maintain secure workplaces amid increasing insecurity.
Participants were also trained on identifying financial crimes such as fraud, tax evasion, corruption, theft, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
The bank advised agents to report suspicious transactions, including unusual deposit patterns, split float purchases, forged documents, and transfers made to wrong numbers.
Officials further highlighted services offered through agent banking, including cash deposits and withdrawals, float purchases, NSSF payments, bill payments, school fees payments, and forex services.
Agents, however, raised concerns over delayed commissions, unsuccessful float purchases, failed transactions, machine breakdowns, network challenges, and charges incurred during cross-banking transactions.
Meanwhile, Vijan Andrew, Regional Commercial Manager for Union Transport Alliance Uganda in the Northern Region, said the organisation had partnered with Housing Finance Bank to finance Spiro electric bikes for riders without requiring full cash payments upfront.
Andrew noted that the arrangement also ensured riders obtained comprehensive insurance covering the motorcycle, passenger, and rider.
He revealed that applicants seeking electric bikes were subjected to vetting and background checks to minimise loan defaults.
Andrew described the partnership as important in promoting green energy and increasing the use of electric bikes across Uganda.
He added that Lango remained one of the strongest markets for electric bikes in Northern Uganda.
According to Andrew, riders are required to present two guarantors, an LC1 letter, guarantors’ photographs, and national identification documents before accessing the bikes.
He noted that the bikes are digitalised and fitted with tracking devices capable of generating transaction IDs and security codes to enhance safety and monitoring.
Andrew further disclosed that Union Transport Alliance had opened opportunities for investors interested in spare parts businesses, requiring only a minimum capital of Shs 1 million and a national ID for registration.
He said plans are underway to expand battery swap stations across the sub-region, especially in districts such as Amolatar, Otuke, and Alebtong, which currently lack the facilities.
However, Andrew noted that expansion is being affected by inadequate access to three-phase electricity required for safe charging of EV batteries.