Users of the telephone cash transactions have expressed worry that the current instability on the MTN network could spoil their celebrations by denying them access to cash deposited on the phones.
Users of the telephone cash transactions are worried that the current instability of the mobile transaction network could deny them access to cash deposited on the phones.
Many people became accustomed to the service because it provided easy access due to the many number of outlets spread even in the remote areas where commercial banks are absent. However, the service turned into a nightmare over the past weeks due to unstable network.
Bosco Ocora, a resident of Labognogali parish in Amuru Sub County complained that he has tried in vain for over a week to access money he deposited on his phone and fears he could fail to meet his needs and have a happy festive celebration if the problem persists.
Margaret Aciro, a resident of Laroo in Gulu municipality said she was recently left stranded by the network failure after she tried in vain to access money that a relative sent to her phone to cater for her father’s hospital bills.
At several mobile money outlets around Gulu town, both the clients and the operators have had a torrid experience of the network problem. Tony Okello, a businessman who operates an outlet in town said the breakdown has left several of his customers frustrated. Okello is hopping the problem would be resolved before the festive season activities.
Faced with the massive complaints, Mobile Telecommunication Company, MTN has rushed in to restore hope among its subscribers saying the breakdown is due to an upgrade, which it has been carrying out on its network equipment to enable it handle huge volume of transaction.
Patrice Ogwal, MTN Accounts Manager in charge of the northern region said the network is currently overwhelmed with so many clients. He explained that MTN Mobile Money service was designed to handle only 1.2 million clients, a number he said has since shot to 2.3 million.
Ogwal explained that the increased number of clients coupled with added functions on the network could not allow a smooth operation. He added that the services have since expanded from basically transferring money to paying bills and school fees.
He however said the first phase of the upgrade begun on November 1st and will run until December 15 before the last upgrade that will take place on 15 and 16 January after which he said clients should expect an efficient service delivery.
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Other telecommunication companies providing similar telephone money transactions include Uganda Telecom, Airtel and Orange.
