Sections of mobile money agents in Gulu City and business operators have expressed concern about the recent internet shutdown as the country heads for the presidential and parliamentary elections.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered the internet shutdown in Uganda two days before the elections, primarily to maintain security during the presidential and parliamentary elections.
The government and UCC explained that the measure was intended to prevent misinformation, electoral interference, and incitement during a sensitive period. Essentially, it was aimed at controlling the flow of information to reduce the risk of unrest around the elections.
The internet shutdown, coupled with the limitations on money operations, has drawn comment across the country. Gulu City was not an exception.
While mobile money services have been restored, many users and agents say their negative effect will linger.
Apiyo Sharon, a mobile money agent in Gulu, said she could not earn her daily commission for the week the services were down.
“I usually earn commission from the deposits and withdrawals clients make. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened since Tuesday evening last week. With mobile money, you are paid per transaction, so for this whole week I haven’t made any money because there was no work,” she explained.
Residents who keep savings in mobile wallets were also affected, unable to access cash for basic needs. Amaro Mercy, a Gulu resident, said she went without food on the evening of the thirteenth January. “This made me sleep hungry because we tried to withdraw but couldn’t. I then had to shop the next day using mobile money, which was only partially allowed for sending money but not withdrawals,” she said.
Addressing the media on fifteenth January, Norbert Mao, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and newly elected MP for Laroo Pece Division, acknowledged the economic strain and called for the immediate restoration of services.
During a press briefing on nineteenth January, Gilbert Olanya, MP for Kilak South in Amuru District, condemned the shutdown and urged government compensation for those affected.
Patrick Okello Onguti, MP-elect for Aswa County, also criticized the abrupt closure, saying it ignored the negative impacts on residents’ daily lives and businesses.
Mobile money services rely on internet connectivity for transfers, deposits, and withdrawals. When the networks were blocked, many users could not access their wallets to send or receive money.
In some cases, sending money was allowed, but withdrawals were restricted, leaving people without cash for daily needs.
Mobile money agents, who earn commissions per transaction, could not carry out normal operations, resulting in a loss of mobile income. Some operators reported not earning anything for the week the services were down.
Residents who rely on mobile money to pay for food, bills, or other daily expenses face difficulties. Some reported going without food or being unable to meet essential needs because they could not access cash. Many small and informal businesses in cities like Gulu and Kampala operate primarily through mobile money.
The shutdown temporarily froze these economic activities, affecting both traders and consumers.
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