More than three million Ugandans living far from traditional bank branches are set to gain easier access to formal financial services following a new partnership between Interswitch Uganda and Tropical Bank Limited. The agreement effectively transforms every Quick teller agent outlet into a Tropical Bank service point, dramatically expanding the bank’s reach across the country.
With more than 21,000 Quick teller locations operating in shops, pharmacies, markets, taxi parks, and rural trading centres, customers can now deposit and withdraw cash, transfer funds, and pay bills through neighbourhood outlets they already use for airtime and mobile money services.
The partnership seeks to address Uganda’s persistent financial inclusion gap. According to Bank of Uganda data, only 38 per cent of adults hold bank accounts, with distance to banking facilities and high transaction costs remaining major barriers, particularly in rural communities.
By leveraging Interswitch’s extensive agent network, Tropical Bank can expand its physical presence more than 300-fold without the need to build additional branches. “Everyday transactions should be simple, convenient and within reach for everyone,” said Moris Seguya, Country General Manager of Interswitch Uganda.
He added that through the Quick teller agent network, Tropical is bringing banking services closer to communities and helping more people participate in the formal financial ecosystem. For Tropical Bank, the partnership offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional branch expansion while enabling the bank to reach underserved and high-traffic areas.
“This allows us to extend our reach beyond traditional banking halls and bring our services closer to our customers,” said Abdulaziz M.A. Mansur of Tropical Bank Limited. “We are offering secure, reliable and convenient banking services through Quick teller agents across Uganda.”
Interswitch, which has operated in Uganda since 2002, developed Quick teller as a digital payments and collections platform. By tapping into the existing network, Tropical Bank gains immediate nationwide scale.
Agent banking has emerged as one of the fastest ways to bring small businesses, farmers and gig workers into the formal financial system. Many of these groups operate cash-intensive businesses but often lack secure and convenient channels for saving, transferring and managing money. Greater access to banking services and digital payments also supports the Bank of Uganda’s broader push toward a cash-lite economy.
Small businesses can receive bank transfers through agent points, reduce the risks associated with handling cash, and build transaction histories that may improve their access to credit. Tropical Bank, a licensed commercial bank serving individuals, SMEs and corporate clients, says the partnership aligns with its commitment to advancing financial inclusion. Interswitch’s mission is to make payments “a seamless part of everyday life in Africa,” and the collaboration represents one of the largest single expansions of bank agent access points in Uganda this year-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
