Col Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), has disclosed that the government is working on a groundbreaking initiative to enable National IDs to function as ATM cards.
The revelation was made during the Umukuuka 3rd Royal Anniversary dinner held on August 1, 2024, at the Mt. Elgon Hotel in Mbale City.
Col Katabazi highlighted that this move aims to streamline financial transactions and reduce the exorbitant fees currently imposed by both local and international financial institutions. He emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating unnecessary charges associated with money transactions, which he said have burdened many Ugandans, especially in rural areas.
“We’re saying that we can use our National IDs as a mobile wallet because other channels like VISA, Mastercard, etc. charge more fees even in cases of mere checking account balances,” Col Katabazi said.
During his address, the intelligence chief also urged Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma to rally his community to embrace government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) for the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as other initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty within the Bugisu region.
“As ISO, we will require your cooperation in monitoring the performance of the beneficiaries,” Col Katabazi noted, stressing the importance of community involvement in the success of government programs.
He further pointed to the introduction of the Wendi App, a mobile wallet developed by Post Bank, as a prime example of the government’s efforts to facilitate direct disbursement of parish revolving funds. This innovation is designed to eliminate third-party involvement and the associated fees, thereby protecting vulnerable Ugandans from potential risks posed by both private and international companies.
Col Katabazi’s remarks reflect a broader strategy to empower citizens through accessible financial services while promoting local solutions to economic challenges. The proposed integration of National IDs into the banking system is expected to revolutionize how Ugandans engage with financial services, making them more inclusive and efficient.
