If you live in Uganda, you probably have both MTN and Airtel. In Kenya, you almost certainly use M-PESA. But when it comes to sending transport money — which network is actually better?
MTN Mobile Money (Uganda)
MTN has the largest mobile money network in Uganda by subscriber count. Transactions are generally fast. Their USSD (*165#) is reliable. Agent network is massive — you can cash out almost anywhere. Fees: roughly UGX 550–1,650 per transaction depending on amount.
Best for: Larger amounts, wide agent coverage, sending to rural areas.
Airtel Money (Uganda)
Airtel Money is the competitor. Fees are sometimes slightly lower. Their network is strong in northern and eastern Uganda. Occasional downtime issues reported more than MTN. USSD: *185#.
Best for: Smaller amounts, if recipient is Airtel-only.
M-PESA (Kenya)
M-PESA is in a class of its own in Kenya. 97%+ of mobile money transactions in Kenya go through Safaricom. Fees: KES 11–100 depending on amount. Ubiquitous agent network. Instant, reliable, deeply embedded in daily life.
Best for: Everything in Kenya. It's just the default.
So which does TumaFare use?
TumaFare works with all three — powered by PawaPay. You pay with whatever network your phone uses. The recipient gets paid on their network. Uganda to Uganda (MTN or Airtel), Kenya to Kenya (M-PESA). Cross-network support is active.
The network matters less than the protection. Use whichever you have. Let TumaFare handle the accountability. tumafare.com