By Sabri Dibaco
Western Equatoria State Residents voiced growing concerns over the recent shift by MTN to a MoMo airtime purchasing system.
The customers cited that current system created challenges for vulnerable groups, particularly elderly people in rural areas.
Speaking to the media, some of the citizens said that the new system, which requires customers to buy airtime primarily through their MTN MoMo, has left many older people struggling to cope due to limited digital literacy and lack of access to mobile money services.
One of the residents, Taban B expressed that it has become difficult to access your airtime through the MoMo services.
“Our parents in the villages do not understand how to use this mobile money. Before, they could just buy write or call out their numbers and the airtime sent directly to their lines, but now it is difficult for them,” Taban said.
He called on the Authorities and the MTN officials to return back the previous system.
Emmanuel Akile one of the residents raised complaints that some MTN MoMo agents allegedly charging extra fees for cash withdrawals.
According to him, these additional charges are not officially communicated and are placing an extra financial burden on already struggling communities and people.
“They ask for more money when you want to withdraw, which is not fair because people are already facing economic hardship if you want to withdraw SSP 300,000 they will tell you to pay SSP 350, 000,” Akile said.
In response, the management of MTN in WES acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the importance of mobile money services in modernizing financial transactions across the country.
MTN manager Ladu Nicolas William explained that the shift to MoMo is part of a broader effort to promote a cashless economy, improve financial inclusion, and enhance security in transactions.
He noted that MoMo services allow users to send and receive airtimes easily without them going looking for airtime and also its advantageous because whenever you buy airtime from your MoMo you receive 25% bonus of the airtime you bought
“The MoMo system is designed to make financial services more accessible and secure for everyone, especially during rainy season noting that there’s a bonus from every airtime bought through MoMo and it helps to reduce the cry of people that MTN calls are over charged,” Nicolas said.
On the other hand, he said those involved in asking for extra charges should be reported because its misconduct, stressing that MTN has official transaction fees and does not authorize overcharging.
Authorities and community leaders in Western Equatoria are now calling for increased public awareness, training programs for rural users, and stricter monitoring of mobile money agents to ensure fair practices and protect consumers.