5 tips on how to receive money in Uganda using Western Union

Western Union has been in existence for about 150 years. The company has set itself up as one of the best ways of sending money worldwide albeit facing disruption from FinTech companies.

To receive money in Uganda using Western Union, here are some tips you should know.

#1. Complete form at the Agent Location

Before you receive your money from friends and loved ones or business associates, you are required to fill out a certain form that contains Full name of Sender, Originating country/city of Transactions, Expected amount (+/- 10%), Answer to Test question and the Money Transaction Control Number (MTCN).

#2. Provide the Money Transaction Control Number (MTCN)

Whenever you receive money through Western Union, a unique 10-digit number specific to your transaction called MTCN is generated.  You are required to present this number to any of supported Western Union agents.

#3. Have a valid ID

Western Union is strict on identification as you have to prove that you’re the person who should receive the funds. You must present a valid ID if you hope to get your money, else you’ll be rejected.  For country residents, you will need either a valid passport, valid driver’s license with a photo or a voter’s card.
If you are a non-resident, then you’ll need a valid passport, valid driver’s license with a photo (UK & US), valid travel document with photo or Refugee ID with photo and seal.

#4. Fees and charges

You don’t have to pay any fees when you are receiving your money. All the fees are already paid by the sender who is charged 10% of the money they are sending you. Also you don’t need to have a bank account to receive money as you get it in cash.

#5. Banks where you can receive Western Union in Uganda

Western Union has a wide range of partners and agents where you can receive your money. Centenary Rural Development Bank, Crane Bank, Diamond Trust Bank Uganda, Ecobank, KCB Bank Uganda, Postbank Uganda, Finca, Pride Microfinance  are the banks you can receive Western Union payment in Uganda.

As some bonus points, Western Unions says that the receiver must be 18 years old to collect money.

Image: bramptonfoods.ca

About David Okwii

David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he's not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.