Kampala, Uganda | Over a million Ugandans are set to benefit from a landmark partnership as Pearl Bank Uganda (formerly PostBank Uganda) and Stanbic Bank Uganda merge their digital wallets Wendi and FlexiPay into a single, integrated platform. The move is expected to make financial transactions more seamless, affordable, and accessible across the country.
The partnership, announced at a joint press briefing in Kampala, emphasizes collaboration over competition and aims to strengthen Uganda’s financial inclusion and digital transformation efforts. The integrated service will enable users to save, access credit, pay merchants, and conduct e-commerce transactions with ease.
Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda, said: “This partnership is a win for ordinary Ugandans. By connecting FlexiPay and Wendi, we are breaking down digital walls and ensuring that no matter where you live or which bank you use, you can transact safely and affordably. It directly supports Stanbic’s Positive Impact agenda on Women, Youth, and Farmers (WYF), promoting financial inclusion for all.”
Julius Kakeeto, Managing Director & CEO of Pearl Bank Uganda, added: “Wendi has been at the heart of government programmes that promote financial inclusion nationwide. With over one million users and more than 8,000 agents, partnering with FlexiPay expands convenience and access to a wider merchant network. This collaboration is a major step toward achieving Uganda’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2023–2028).”
FlexiPay currently operates through over 17,800 agents, serving more than half a million retail and merchant wallets nationwide. It also supports hundreds of SACCOs under Stanbic Bank’s programme. Wendi, meanwhile, has been instrumental in facilitating government disbursements under the Parish Development Model and partnering with Western Union for cross-border remittances.
The integration will allow users on either platform to send, receive, and pay seamlessly, eliminating the traditional barriers that made inter-network transactions slow and costly.
According to the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, access to formal financial services in Uganda rose from 52% in 2013 to 68% in 2023, largely due to mobile and digital solutions. Yet, many rural Ugandans especially women, youth, and farmers remain underserved.
By combining Stanbic’s commercial reach with Pearl Bank’s national footprint, the partnership is expected to extend financial services deep into rural communities, supporting farmers, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led businesses while fostering stronger local economies.