Pride Bank has partnered with Interswitch Uganda to expand access to banking services across the country, bringing agency banking and card-based payment services closer to customers and communities.
The partnership, officially launched in Uganda, combines Pride Bank’s banking services with Interswitch’s payments infrastructure and nationwide acceptance network. At the centre of the partnership are Quickteller Agency Banking and the rollout of the Pride Bank Verve Debit Card, giving customers additional options to access, manage and use their money beyond traditional bank branches.
Speaking at the launch, Pride Bank Head of Business, Joseph Fetaa, said the partnership was designed around the changing needs of customers, particularly those who operate businesses or move frequently between different locations.
“Our customers are constantly moving. They are running businesses, managing farms, serving clients, travelling, supporting families and pursuing opportunities. Banking therefore cannot be something that interrupts their day. It should enable them to get on with it,” Fetaa said.
Through Quickteller Agency Banking, Pride Bank customers will be able to access selected services through participating agents, including cash deposits, withdrawals, loan repayments, and bill payments. The agency model is also expected to create opportunities for local businesses to participate in the delivery of financial services. Shop owners and other qualifying businesses can become agents, earning commissions while potentially attracting additional activity to their businesses.
The partnership also introduces the Pride Bank Verve Debit Card, connecting customers to the Interswitch network of ATMs and payment acceptance points. According to the partnership information, Pride Bank customers will be able to use their Verve cards at Interswitch-enabled ATMs and participating point-of-sale terminals, providing additional options for withdrawing cash and paying for goods and services. The cards use EMV chip-and-PIN security technology, with the partnership intended to combine greater convenience with transaction security.
Moris Seguya, Country General Manager of Interswitch Uganda, said the company’s role was to provide the infrastructure that allows financial institutions to extend their services beyond conventional banking channels.
“At Interswitch, we build and run the systems that let money move safely, quickly, and reliably. Our infrastructure enables banks to concentrate on serving customers while providing the payments rails needed to support secure and seamless transactions,” Seguya said.
He said the partnership with Pride Bank was aligned with Interswitch’s objective of making payments a seamless part of everyday life. Interswitch says its ecosystem includes thousands of Quickteller agents and a broad network of ATMs and merchant locations across Uganda.
The partnership is expected to particularly benefit traders, farmers, small business owners, boda boda riders, and other customers who may need banking services while away from a traditional branch.
Fetaa said the success of the partnership would ultimately be determined by the everyday experiences of customers rather than the launch itself.
“The true success of this partnership will not simply be measured by the launch we are holding here. It will be measured by the trader who can make a deposit or a withdrawal closer to their shop, the customer who finds an Interswitch enabled ATM when they need access to their money, and the business owner who becomes part of the agency network,” he said.
The two institutions said they will continue working together to expand the solutions and enhance the customer experience as the partnership grows across Uganda.
