More than Shs 1 trillion has been disbursed to beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) through Wendi, a digital wallet developed by PostBank Uganda, in a landmark push to deepen financial inclusion across rural Uganda.
According to PostBank officials, the funds were transferred in two phases: Shs 500 billion in January 2025 and another Shs 500 billion at the start of June. All funds have since been dispatched from the bank, with over 90% reaching individual beneficiaries through their registered accounts.
George William Kiyingi, Head of Agent Banking and Fintech Distribution at PostBank, said Wendi has dramatically transformed access to formal financial services at the grassroots.
“Before Wendi, many beneficiaries had to travel from places like Nakapiripirit to Moroto, or Pallisa to Mbale, just to open a bank account. Now, with just a national ID and a phone, you can register in minutes,” Kiyingi said.
Since its launch in 2024, Wendi has onboarded more than 1.3 million PDM beneficiaries, helping streamline Uganda’s flagship poverty eradication programme.
Crucially, Wendi is fully integrated with the Parish Development Management Information System (PDMIS) — the government’s centralized platform for processing loan applications and approvals.
“Since February 2024, Wendi automatically checks with PDMIS before disbursing any funds. If the loan isn’t approved in the system, the transaction fails,” Kiyingi explained. “This tight integration ensures transparency, accountability, and guards against payment errors.”
Each SACCO group account on the platform is governed by a three-signatory approval process involving the chairperson, secretary, and treasurer. Transactions only proceed when all three approve, further strengthening financial governance.
Beyond loan disbursements, Wendi also facilitates savings and repayments. PostBank offers up to 10% annual interest on savings made through the platform — an incentive designed to nurture a saving culture in underserved communities.
Looking ahead, PostBank plans to introduce follow-on loans through Wendi for beneficiaries who complete repayments of their initial PDM funding.
“Wendi is more than just a payment solution — it’s a pathway from subsistence to sustainability,” said Kiyingi. “We’re committed to making lasting economic empowerment a reality.”
