ManyaGuide MTN Mobile Money charges in Uganda 2026 – sending and withdrawal fees
Sending to anyone registered (MTN, other networks or abroad): UGX 100 up to 5,000 · UGX 500 for 5,001–60,000 · UGX 1,000 for 60,001–5,000,000. Sending to an unregistered number costs more. Withdrawals also pay 0.5% tax.
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Here's what it costs to send and withdraw money on MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) in Uganda, including the government tax many people forget.
Work out the total cost
Use the mobile money charges calculator: choose MTN, pick what you're doing, enter the amount, and it adds up the MTN fee and any tax for you.
MTN sending charges: to a registered user
The same fee applies whether the person is on MTN, another network (e.g. Airtel) or in another country.
| Amount (UGX) | Fee (UGX) |
|---|---|
| 500 – 2,500 | 100 |
| 2,501 – 5,000 | 100 |
| 5,001 – 15,000 | 500 |
| 15,001 – 30,000 | 500 |
| 30,001 – 45,000 | 500 |
| 45,001 – 60,000 | 500 |
| 60,001 – 125,000 | 1,000 |
| 125,001 – 250,000 | 1,000 |
| 250,001 – 500,000 | 1,000 |
| 500,001 – 1,000,000 | 1,000 |
| 1,000,001 – 2,000,000 | 1,000 |
| 2,000,001 – 4,000,000 | 1,000 |
| 4,000,001 – 5,000,000 | 1,000 |
Source: MTN MoMo Pricing and fees page (momo.mtn.com/pricing), checked 4 Nov 2026.
MTN sending charges: to an unregistered user (voucher)
If the number you send to is not registered for mobile money, they collect the money as a voucher, and the fee is much higher. Ask them to register first.
| Amount (UGX) | Fee (UGX) |
|---|---|
| 500 – 2,500 | 830 |
| 2,501 – 5,000 | 940 |
| 5,001 – 15,000 | 1,880 |
| 15,001 – 30,000 | 1,880 |
| 30,001 – 45,000 | 2,310 |
| 45,001 – 60,000 | 2,310 |
| 60,001 – 125,000 | 3,325 |
| 125,001 – 250,000 | 4,975 |
| 250,001 – 500,000 | 7,175 |
| 500,001 – 1,000,000 | 12,650 |
| 1,000,001 – 2,000,000 | 22,000 |
| 2,000,001 – 4,000,000 | 37,400 |
| 4,000,001 – 5,000,000 | 55,000 |
Source: MTN MoMo Pricing and fees page (momo.mtn.com/pricing), checked 4 Nov 2026.
MTN withdrawal charges (at an agent)
We're confirming these fees with MTN Mobile Money. Until then, start the transaction on *165# and read the fee on your screen before you enter your PIN.
The 0.5% mobile money withdrawal tax
- The government charges 0.5% of the amount you withdraw. Example: withdrawing UGX 100,000 adds UGX 500.
- Sending, receiving and paying bills are not taxed.
- A proposal to cut it to 0.25% was dropped in April 2026, so 0.5% applies for 2026/27.
More detail: Mobile money tax explained.
MoMoPay (paying a merchant)
- Dial *165*3#, enter the 6-digit merchant code, the amount and your PIN.
- Paying a registered business merchant is usually free for you.
- Since 15 August 2025, paying an informal or individual merchant costs the same as sending money.
How to see the exact fee before paying
Dial *165# and start your transaction. Before you enter your PIN, the screen shows the amount, the fee and the recipient. If the fee looks wrong, press cancel.
Frequently asked questions
Is sending money taxed in Uganda?
No. The 0.5% excise duty is only charged on cash withdrawals.
How much does it cost to send UGX 100,000 on MTN?
UGX 1,000 to any registered user, on MTN or another network. Sending to an unregistered number costs UGX 3,325.
Is it cheaper to send to MTN numbers than to Airtel numbers?
No. MTN charges the same fee to send to registered users on MTN, other networks or in other countries.
How can I pay less in mobile money charges?
Pay shops and bills directly with MoMoPay or Pay Bill instead of withdrawing cash, and make sure the person you send to is registered for mobile money.
Where can I see MTN's official tariff?
On MTN MoMo's Pricing and fees page (momo.mtn.com/pricing) or in the MoMo app.
Fees and codes change. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.