Uganda cross-network transfers — MTN, Airtel, Wave interoperability
Sending between MTN MoMo, Airtel Money and Wave in Uganda uses the national interoperability activated in 2022. The fee is close to same-network on higher bands, slightly higher on small ones. The recipient receives for free, as always.
Uganda's interoperability context
Before 2022, sending from MTN MoMo to Airtel Money required the recipient to have an intermediary bank account, or a third-party transfer service. The national interoperability rail, activated in 2022 under Bank of Uganda supervision, removed this detour. Today, from any licensed Ugandan wallet, you send to any mobile number in seconds.
Practical cost cross-network vs same-network
For the vast majority of transfers (above UGX 60,000), the fee is identical: if MTN charges UGX 1,000 on the band, it is UGX 1,000 to MTN, Airtel or Wave. On very small bands (under UGX 5,000), a slight surcharge may apply per each operator's policy, typically UGX 50–100.
Always compare the final fee in the USSD confirmation screen before validating the PIN — it shows the exact amount that will be deducted.