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Onramp in Uganda 🇺🇬

Buy USDC stablecoins directly using your mobile money account in Uganda. Top up your Solana wallet instantly using MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money - no bank account or credit card needed.

Overview​

Why use mobile money onramp in Uganda?

  • ✅ Instant top-up - USDC arrives in your wallet within minutes
  • ✅ No bank account needed - Use your existing mobile money account
  • ✅ Automatic network detection - Phone number automatically detects your mobile money network
  • ✅ Multiple networks supported - MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money
  • ✅ Direct to wallet - USDC goes straight to your Solana wallet
  • ✅ Send to any wallet - You can specify any Solana wallet address
  • ✅ Lower fees - Typically 0.5-2% vs 3-8% for traditional remittances
  • ✅ Privacy - No need to register mobile money numbers everywhere

💡 Quick Start: Just enter your phone number and amount - the system automatically detects your mobile money network!

Supported Mobile Money Networks​

reply.cash supports the following mobile money networks in Uganda:

📱 MTN Mobile Money​

  • Leading mobile money service in Uganda
  • Largest network coverage
  • Automatic detection when you enter your MTN phone number

📱 Airtel Money​

  • Alternative mobile money provider in Uganda
  • Growing network coverage
  • Automatic detection when you enter your Airtel phone number

📚 Learn more about mobile money networks:

How Mobile Money Network Detection Works​

When you enter your phone number, reply.cash automatically detects which mobile money network you're using:

  1. Enter Phone Number - Enter your Ugandan mobile money registered phone number
  2. Automatic Detection - System identifies your network (MTN or Airtel)
  3. Network Confirmation - The correct mobile money network is selected automatically
  4. Proceed with Payment - Complete the purchase using your detected network

Phone Number Formats:

  • MTN Mobile Money: +256701234567 or +256771234567
  • Airtel Money: +256701234567 or +256751234567

Note: The system automatically detects your network based on your phone number prefix and carrier information.

How to Buy USDC with Mobile Money in Uganda​

Step-by-Step Instructions​

  1. Open reply.cash

    • Visit app.reply.cash
    • Connect your Solana wallet if not already connected

  2. Navigate to Onramp

    • Click "Top Up" in the navigation menu
    • Select "Buy with Mobile Money" or "Uganda"

  3. Enter Your Details

    • Amount: Enter the amount in Ugandan Shillings (UGX) you want to convert to USDC
    • Your Phone Number: Enter your Ugandan mobile money registered phone number
      • Format: +256701234567 (include country code, remove leading 0)
      • Example: If your number is 0701234567, enter +256701234567
      • Network Detection: Your mobile money network (MTN or Airtel) will be automatically detected

  4. Select Destination Wallet (Optional)

    • Default: USDC will be sent to your connected Solana wallet
    • External Wallet: You can specify any Solana wallet address (doesn't have to be yours)
      • Enter the Solana wallet address manually
      • Or scan a QR code if available
    • Important: Double-check the wallet address - transactions cannot be reversed

  5. Review Exchange Rate

    • Review the current UGX to USDC exchange rate
    • See the exact amount of USDC you'll receive
    • Check any fees (if applicable)

  6. Authorize Payment

    • Click "Confirm" or "Buy with Mobile Money"
    • You'll receive a payment prompt on your phone (varies by network)
    • Enter your mobile money PIN to authorize the payment
    • The payment will be processed automatically

  7. Wait for Confirmation

    • Transaction typically completes in 1-5 minutes
    • You'll receive a confirmation notification
    • USDC will appear in your selected Solana wallet
    • Check your wallet balance to verify

Mobile Money Network-Specific Instructions​

MTN Mobile Money​

How it works:

  1. Enter your MTN phone number (automatically detected)
  2. Confirm the amount in UGX
  3. Authorize using MTN Mobile Money PIN
  4. USDC arrives in your wallet within minutes

Transaction Limits:

  • Minimum: UGX 500
  • Maximum: UGX 5,000,000 per transaction
  • Daily limits vary by account tier

Airtel Money​

How it works:

  1. Enter your Airtel phone number (automatically detected)
  2. Confirm the amount in UGX
  3. Authorize using Airtel Money PIN
  4. USDC arrives in your wallet within minutes

Transaction Limits:

  • Minimum: UGX 500
  • Maximum: UGX 5,000,000 per transaction
  • Daily limits vary by account tier

Sending to External Wallets​

You can buy USDC and send it directly to any Solana wallet address, even if it's not yours.

Use Cases​

  • Send to someone else: Buy USDC and send it directly to a friend's or family member's wallet
  • Multiple wallets: Top up different wallets from one mobile money account
  • Business payments: Send USDC directly to business wallets
  • Gift USDC: Purchase and send USDC as a gift

How to Send to External Wallet​

  1. Enter External Wallet Address

    • In the onramp form, select "Send to External Wallet"
    • Enter the Solana wallet address (starts with letters/numbers, typically 32-44 characters)
    • Example: BYPsjxa3YuZESQz1dKuBw1QSFCSpecsm8nCQhY5xbU1Z

  2. Verify Address

    • Double-check the wallet address is correct
    • Solana addresses are case-sensitive
    • Wrong addresses will result in lost funds

  3. Complete Purchase

    • Enter amount and phone number as usual
    • Network will be automatically detected
    • Confirm payment
    • USDC will be sent directly to the specified wallet

Important Notes:

  • ⚠️ Verify the address - Transactions cannot be reversed
  • ⚠️ Test with small amount first - If unsure, test with a small amount
  • ⚠️ Solana network only - Ensure the wallet address is for Solana network
  • ⚠️ No refunds - Once sent, USDC cannot be retrieved

Transaction Limits & Fees​

Mobile Money Transaction Limits​

Daily Limits:

  • Varies by mobile money network and account tier
  • Typically: UGX 1,000,000 - UGX 10,000,000 per day

Single Transaction Limits:

  • Minimum: UGX 500
  • Maximum: UGX 5,000,000 per transaction

Limits vary based on your mobile money account verification level (KYC tier)

Fees​

Mobile Money Fees:

  • Each network (MTN, Airtel) charges standard transaction fees
  • Fees are deducted from your mobile money balance
  • Fees vary by network and transaction amount

reply.cash Fees:

  • Exchange rate spread (UGX to USDC conversion)
  • No additional platform fees during initial growth phase
  • Transparent pricing shown before confirmation

Real-World Examples:

Example 1: Small Purchase

  • Buying UGX 50,000 worth of USDC
  • Mobile money fee: ~UGX 250-500 (varies by network)
  • Exchange rate: Current market rate (e.g., 1 UGX = 0.00026 USDC)
  • USDC received: ~12.8-13 USDC

Example 2: Medium Purchase

  • Buying UGX 500,000 worth of USDC
  • Mobile money fee: ~UGX 2,500-5,000 (varies by network)
  • Exchange rate: Current market rate
  • USDC received: ~128-130 USDC

Example 3: Large Purchase

  • Buying UGX 2,000,000 worth of USDC
  • Mobile money fee: ~UGX 10,000-20,000 (varies by network)
  • Exchange rate: Current market rate
  • USDC received: ~510-520 USDC

💡 Tip: Fees are typically lower for larger transactions. Check the exact fee before confirming.

Troubleshooting​

Payment Failed​

Problem: Payment authorization failed.

Solutions:

  • ✅ Check you have sufficient mobile money balance (amount + fees)
  • ✅ Verify your mobile money PIN is correct
  • ✅ Ensure you're within daily transaction limits
  • ✅ Check if your mobile money account is active and not suspended
  • ✅ Verify your phone number matches your registered mobile money account
  • ✅ Try again after a few minutes
  • ✅ Contact support with transaction details if issue persists

USDC Not Received​

Problem: Payment was successful but USDC hasn't arrived in wallet.

Solutions:

  • ✅ Wait 5-10 minutes - processing can take time
  • ✅ Check the correct wallet address was used
  • ✅ Verify wallet is connected and synced
  • ✅ Check transaction status on Solana Explorer
  • ✅ Refresh your wallet balance
  • ✅ Contact support with mobile money transaction code and wallet address

Wrong Network Detected​

Problem: System detected the wrong mobile money network.

Solutions:

  • ✅ Verify your phone number is correct
  • ✅ Ensure your phone number matches your registered mobile money account
  • ✅ You can manually select your network if auto-detection fails
  • ✅ Contact support if network detection continues to fail

Exchange Rate Questions​

Problem: Received less USDC than expected.

Solutions:

  • ✅ Exchange rates fluctuate - check current rate at time of transaction
  • ✅ Review transaction details for exact conversion rate used
  • ✅ Mobile money fees are deducted from your balance
  • ✅ Exchange rate spread applies (UGX to USDC conversion)
  • ✅ Contact support if conversion seems incorrect

Security Best Practices​

Protect Your Mobile Money Account​

  • ✅ Never share your mobile money PIN - reply.cash will never ask for your PIN
  • ✅ Only enter PIN on official mobile money prompts - Payment authorization notifications
  • ✅ Verify merchant name - Should show "reply.cash" or similar
  • ✅ Check amount before confirming - Verify the amount matches your purchase
  • ✅ Keep your phone secure - Use screen lock and biometric authentication

Protect Your Wallet​

  • ✅ Verify wallet addresses - Always double-check before sending
  • ✅ Test with small amounts first - If using external wallet addresses
  • ✅ Keep wallet private keys secure - Never share your seed phrase
  • ✅ Use official reply.cash app only - Avoid phishing sites
  • ✅ Check transaction confirmations - Verify USDC arrived correctly

Frequently Asked Questions​

How long does it take to receive USDC?​

USDC typically arrives in your wallet within 1-5 minutes after you confirm the payment. Processing times may vary based on network congestion and mobile money provider.

Can I buy USDC for someone else?​

Yes! You can specify any Solana wallet address when buying USDC. Enter the recipient's wallet address in the "External Wallet" field, and USDC will be sent directly to them.

What if I enter the wrong phone number?​

If you enter the wrong phone number, the payment will be sent to that number. Only the person with that phone number and mobile money PIN can authorize the payment. Double-check your phone number before confirming.

Can I cancel a purchase after confirming?​

Once you confirm the payment, the transaction cannot be cancelled. However, if you haven't entered your mobile money PIN yet, you can simply ignore the payment notification and it will expire after a few minutes.

What exchange rate is used?​

The exchange rate is based on current market rates (UGX to USDC) at the time of your transaction. The exact rate is shown before you confirm the purchase.

Are there minimum or maximum amounts?​

  • Minimum: UGX 500 (varies by network)
  • Maximum: UGX 5,000,000 per transaction (varies by network and account tier)

Which mobile money network should I use?​

Both supported networks (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money) work the same way. Use whichever network you have an active account with. The system will automatically detect your network based on your phone number.

Recommendations:

  • MTN Mobile Money: Best if you want the largest agent network and most widespread acceptance in Uganda
  • Airtel Money: Good alternative with competitive features and growing network

Can I switch between networks?​

Yes! You can use different mobile money networks for different purchases. Each transaction is independent - just enter the phone number associated with the network you want to use.

See Also​

💡 Pro Tips for Uganda​

  • Network detection: Always use international format (+256) for best auto-detection
  • Start small: Test with UGX 50,000-100,000 first to familiarize yourself
  • Check balance: Ensure you have enough mobile money balance (amount + fees)
  • Peak times: Transactions may take slightly longer during peak hours (evenings, weekends)
  • Keep receipts: Save SMS confirmations for your records
  • Multiple networks: You can use different networks for different purchases
  • Agent locations: Find MTN/Airtel agents near you for cash deposits if needed

Buy USDC instantly with mobile money in Uganda. Automatic network detection, secure, fast, and direct to your Solana wallet. Convert UGX to USDC with MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money.