MTN MoMo Uganda USSD codes — *165# and every deep path
MTN MoMo Uganda runs entirely through *165#. Here is the full menu, every deep path verified, and what each code actually costs — including send *165*1#, merchant pay *165*3#, and MoPesa loan *165*45#.
✓ Verified June 2026.Live MTN/Airtel Uganda tariffs + URA rate confirmed.
The *165# menu branch by branch
Dial *165# and press call. The main menu shows these primary options (exact order may vary with MTN updates):
- 1. Send Money — Send to MTN, Airtel or Wave. Sub-options: mobile number, amount, PIN.
- 2. Withdraw Cash — Generates a withdrawal code to show an MTN agent.
- 3. Payments — Includes MoMo Pay merchant, bills, airtime. The MoMo Pay sub-menu is accessible directly via *165*3#.
- 4. Bank Services — Wallet to bank, bank to wallet. Supported banks list: Centenary, Stanbic, dfcu, Equity, Absa, KCB and more.
- 5. Goods & Services — Specific bill payments (URA, NWSC, UMEME, TV).
- 6. My Account — Balance, mini-statement, change PIN, change profile.
- 7. Savings & Loans — MoKash (savings), MoPesa (instant loan), MoSente. MoPesa direct via *165*45#.
The deep paths worth memorising
- *165*1# → Direct send, skips the main menu.
- *165*3# → Direct MoMo Pay merchant. Enter merchant code, amount, PIN. No fee, no tax.
- *165*4# → Direct Bank Services.
- *165*8*4# → Direct mini-statement (your last 5 transactions).
- *165*45# → MoPesa loan direct — approval and credit to wallet in seconds if eligible.
Cost per operation
The USSD codes themselves are free — it is the financial operation they trigger that can be paid. Summary:
- Balance, mini-statement, change PIN, change profile: free (always).
- P2P send (*165*1#): UGX 100–2,000 by band + 15% VAT. No URA tax.
- MoMo Pay merchant (*165*3#): entirely free for the user, no tax.
- Wallet to bank (*165*4#): UGX 1,500–11,300 + 15% VAT, no URA tax.
- MoPesa loan (*165*45#): no USSD fee; interest and access fee per product (typically 7-9% over 30 days).
Frequently asked questions
What is the MTN MoMo Uganda code?
*165#. Every MoMo service runs through this code — send, withdraw (generates a code to show the agent), merchant pay, statement, MoPesa loan, balance check. Confirmed by MTN Uganda on its official X account.
Are MoPesa and MoMo Advance the same?
No. In Uganda, MTN calls its instant-loan product MoPesa (not to be confused with Vodacom's M-Pesa in Kenya/Tanzania). Code: *165*45#. In Ghana and Nigeria the equivalent is called MoMo Advance, but in Uganda it is MoPesa.
How much does a balance check cost?
Free. Checking your balance via *165# (option 6) costs nothing — no operator fee, no tax. Same for PIN change and mini-statement view.
Does the code work abroad?
*165# only works on the MTN Uganda network. If you are roaming on a foreign operator, you cannot access your MoMo via USSD. Use the MTN MoMo app (which works with data or WiFi) instead.
What if I forget my PIN?
Dial *165#, PIN reset option, then follow the steps. You will need your registered number and Uganda national ID. If the USSD reset fails, call 100 (MTN customer care) with your national ID ready.