KAMPALA, Uganda — Absa Bank Uganda launched three new digital payment solutions Tuesday—the Absa Multi-Currency Virtual Card, Absa Pay and Absa Pay by Link—designed to enhance convenience, security and accessibility for individuals and businesses.
The product launch comes as digital payment use is surging across Uganda. Active mobile banking users increased by 6.5% to 2.1 million, and the value of mobile banking transactions soared 39.4% to 15.5 trillion Ugandan shillings, according to the Bank of Uganda’s Integrated Annual Report for June 2025.
“We are excited to introduce these solutions that simplify payments both locally and internationally,” said Moses Rutahigwa, retail and business banking director for Absa Bank Uganda. “These new solutions are timely and relevant as they align with the rapid digital transformation taking place in Uganda.”
Key Product Features
The Absa Multi-Currency Virtual Card allows users to hold and manage up to five currencies on a single platform: Ugandan shillings, US dollars, euros, pounds and South African rand. Customers can create virtual cards instantly to manage international payments, lock in favorable currency rates and reduce costs for travel, online shopping or business expenses.
Absa Pay is a self-registration service providing customers with instant access to a digital debit or credit card, removing the need for a physical card. Users can activate the service via the Absa Internet Banking App and make secure, contactless payments directly from their phones.
Absa Pay by Link targets business banking customers, including small and medium-sized enterprises and service providers, seeking a fast, secure way to receive payments. Businesses can generate a payment link and share it with customers, who can pay using any Visa-enabled card. Payments are instantly settled into the business’ Absa account, streamlining operations and reducing reliance on cash.
Chad Pollock, vice president and general manager for Visa East Africa, said the innovations arrive at a time when Ugandans are ready for digital-first solutions.
All three new payment solutions utilize advanced cybersecurity measures to guarantee a secure, seamless digital banking experience.
