Mobile money adoption and financial inclusion in jinja city
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Date
2026-04-15
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Uganda Christian UNiversity
Abstract
The study sought to examine how people use mobile money services and how this contributes to financial inclusion in light of the increased use of digital financial services in urban centers. While many people have access to mobile money services, the real question is how this translates to financial inclusion and quality services for users. The study sought to answer this by employing the Technology Acceptance Model, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of
Technology, and the Financial Intermediation Theory. The study design was a mixed research design that used both qualitative and quantitative data. The study used a questionnaire to collect data from 42 respondents of the general public and small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Jinja City. The study also used key informant interviews to collect data from 5 different sources. The study used descriptive statistics to measure the level of mobile money adoption. The study also used regression and correlation tests. The results revealed a high adoption rate of mobile money services by the people of Jinja City, mainly based on perceived usefulness (M = 4.22) and ease of use (M = 3.90). The results for
financial inclusion revealed a high level of accessibility to financial services (M = 4.36) but a moderate level of financial usage (M = 3.29). However, the quality and affordability of services were rated low (M = 2.54), indicating that the availability of mobile money services does not necessarily imply a higher financial participation. The study established that mobile money services are highly adopted among individuals in Jinja City, primarily based on usefulness (M = 4.22) and ease of use (M = 3.90). The study on financial inclusion established that individuals in Jinja City are highly accessible to financial services (M = 4.36) but moderately financially included (M = 3.29). However, individuals rated
quality and affordability of services low (M = 2.54), indicating that mobile money services do not imply that individuals are financially included. The study established that mobile money services are positively, strongly, and reliably related to financial inclusion results (\(r\) = 0.704, p < 0.01). This indicated that 49.6% of financial inclusion results could be explained by mobile money services. The study was also supported by interview results, which indicated that high transaction costs, taxation, trust, and digital literacy are inhibiting factors of financial inclusion. From the study, it is clear that mobile money plays a crucial role in the integration process in Jinja City. There is a policy gap and operational gap that inhibit the potential for financial integration. The gap can be closed by introducing reforms and reducing costs and training in digital skills that can help in enhancing financial integration.
Description
Undergraduate