MTN MoMo Pay code Uganda — paying merchants via *165*3#
MTN MoMo Pay in Uganda lets you pay a registered merchant straight from the wallet via *165*3#. No user fee, no URA tax — the cheapest way to spend a MoMo balance. Here's how, what's accepted, and why it beats withdrawing then paying in cash.
✓ Verified June 2026.Live MTN/Airtel Uganda tariffs + URA rate confirmed.
How to pay a merchant via MoMo Pay
- Check the merchant's MoMo Pay code (in-store sticker or shown at payment).
- Dial *165*3# on your MTN phone.
- Enter the merchant code.
- Enter the amount to pay.
- Enter your 4-digit MoMo PIN.
- You and the merchant simultaneously receive a confirmation SMS. Your wallet balance drops by exactly the amount (not a shilling more).
Why it beats withdrawing then paying cash
Take this example: you want to pay UGX 100,000 to your supermarket. Two scenarios.
- Scenario A — MoMo Pay: *165*3# → merchant code → UGX 100,000 → PIN. Total cost: UGX 0. Balance drops by exactly UGX 100,000.
- Scenario B — cash withdraw then pay: *165*2# → UGX 100,000 → PIN → code to show agent → receive cash → pay in bills at the supermarket. Total cost: UGX 1,925 (MTN fee) + UGX 500 (URA tax) + UGX 289 (VAT) = UGX 2,714. Balance drops by UGX 102,714.
Saving on ONE UGX 100,000 transaction: UGX 2,714. Over 12 months for a user paying UGX 200,000/month via MoMo Pay instead of cash, that is about UGX 65,000 saved a year — without changing a single shilling in your daily life.
Frequently asked questions
Does MoMo Pay cost anything?
User side, no. MTN does not charge a fee on merchant payments via *165*3#. The merchant pays a small commission to MTN on their revenue, but that cost is not passed to the consumer. The 0.5% URA tax does not apply either — it is an electronic payment, not a cash withdrawal.
How do I find a merchant's MoMo Pay code?
The code is prominently displayed in the shop — often an MTN sticker with the 5-7 digit code and the merchant's name. If you do not see it, ask the cashier. For online merchants, the code appears at payment time.
Do all merchants accept MoMo Pay?
No. The merchant must have registered with MTN as a MoMo Pay business (merchant code). Very widespread in supermarkets, chain restaurants, fuel stations, schools, hospitals and many everyday shops — less in small informal markets (where direct P2P to the merchant's number always works).
What is the difference between MoMo Pay and a P2P send?
P2P (*165*1#) sends to a phone number, charges UGX 100–2,000 per band + VAT. MoMo Pay (*165*3#) sends to a merchant code, entirely free for the payer. To pay a business, always prefer MoMo Pay when available.
Does MoMo Pay work for schools and bills?
Yes for registered schools (most Ugandan establishments are today). For utility bills (UMEME, NWSC) and URA, it is even more direct: use *165*5# (Goods & Services), select the utility, enter the account number. Still no fee, no tax.