MTN Mobile Money Uganda has launched the MTN MoMo Faith-Based Digital Giving Campaign, an initiative aimed at encouraging secure, convenient and transparent digital giving while supporting faith-based institutions to manage contributions more effectively.
At the heart of the campaign is the new MTN MoMo Faith-Based Menu, *165*11#, a dedicated giving journey developed in response to feedback from faith-based institutions seeking a more customised alternative to the previous generic option.
Previously, worshippers were making contributions through the general giving journey on *165*3#. The new men, however, enables them to select their faith-based institution and choose the specific purpose of their contribution before completing the transaction. Options include tithes, offertory, zakat, sadaqah, thanksgiving, donations, fundraising and project support. The same journey is also available through the MTN MoMo App.
The campaign responds to the changing way people live and give. Worshippers can contribute securely from wherever they are, whether travelling, working away from home or unable to attend a service physically. It also offers a private option for those who prefer to give discreetly, while the journey is zero-rated for the worshipper.
For institutions, the menu provides an itemised view of contributions, helping treasurers and administrators improve visibility, simplify reconciliation and strengthen reporting and financial management. This supports greater transparency, accountability and financial stewardship in managing the contributions entrusted to them.
Speaking at the launch, Phrase Lubega, Managing Director, MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd, said the campaign reflects MTN MoMo’s approach to developing digital solutions around the practical needs of communities and institutions.
“We are not simply introducing a new payment option. We are responding to the changing needs of faith communities and making it easier for people to support the institutions and causes that matter to them. The new Faith-Based Menu was developed following feedback from institutions that wanted a more customised giving journey and greater clarity around the contributions they receive.”
Lubega said the dedicated menu creates a clearer experience for both the giver and the receiving institution.
“Through *165*11#, a worshipper can select an institution and identify what they are giving towards before completing the contribution. This brings greater convenience to the worshipper while giving institutions better tools to track and manage collections. At the centre of this is trust, because effective financial stewardship is essential to maintaining the confidence of congregants.”
The Faith-Based Digital Giving Campaign builds on MTN MoMo’s wider experience in digitising collections across different sectors, including education, and reflects its commitment to using digital technology to address specific everyday needs.
Faith-based institutions interested in joining the campaign and onboarding onto the Faith-Based Menu can contact the MTN MoMo team at faithgivingbymomo.ug@mtn.com.
Worshippers can access the giving journey by dialling *165*11# or using the MTN MoMo App, then selecting their institution, choosing the purpose of their contribution and completing the transaction.
Through the campaign, MTN MoMo aims to make giving more accessible to worshippers while helping faith-based institutions strengthen the systems that support responsible management of contributions.
Present at the launch were representatives from different religious institutions. They welcomed the innovation as follows:
Idi Kasozi, Imam, Masjid Mawanga & Lecturer, Islamic University in Uganda
“Previously, we faced challenges with the existing MoMo payment methods, particularly where transaction thresholds made it difficult for people to contribute smaller amounts. This new solution addresses that challenge. It is reliable and promotes greater transparency in the giving process. Importantly, it can also help reduce temptation by ensuring that contributions are properly accounted for.”
Fiona Nantume, Accountant, Namirembe Cathedral
“Previously, when someone made a contribution, we often had to call them to find out exactly what the money was intended for, whether it was tithe, offertory or another form of giving. With the new itemised menu, that information is captured at the point of giving, making it much easier for us to identify, track and account for each contribution. It is a simple but very helpful solution.”
Paulson Tumutegyereize, Reverend, All Saints Cathedral
“I love the fact that this platform is convenient for both givers and institutions. Given the widespread reach of MTN MoMo, we believe it has the potential to reach people wherever they are and make giving much easier.”
Sylvia Namata, Chief Finance Officer, Phaneroo Ministries International
“Previously, it was difficult to clearly distinguish between different types of contributions, such as offertory and tithe. We appreciate the introduction of these categories because they will make it easier for institutions to track and account for the different forms of giving. We thank MTN MoMo for this initiative and look forward to working together.”
Ronald Ojilong, Digital Communications Head, Radio Africa- Mbuya
“We appreciate MTN MoMo for recognising the important role that faith-based institutions play in our communities and for introducing this Digital Giving solution. The initiative will make giving more convenient and transparent, while also strengthening security and accountability. However, technology alone is not enough. The success of this initiative will depend on how well faith-based organisations are supported to adopt and effectively use the platform.”
How to Give
Using USSD (*165*11#)
- Dial *165*11#.
- Select or enter your religious institution.
- Choose the type of contribution.
- Enter the amount.
- Confirm the transaction and enter your MoMo PIN.
Using the MTN MoMo App
- Open the MTN MoMo App and tap Pay.
- Select Religious Giving.
- Choose your religious institution and contribution type.
- Enter the amount.
- Confirm the payment using your MoMo PIN or biometrics.
