Uganda's new fraud-busting tool targets digital payment risks amid rapid growth

Creditinfo has rolled out a new global fraud and identity solution in Uganda. The platform aims to tackle money laundering and financial crime by verifying identities more securely. It arrives as Uganda's digital payment sector grows rapidly, bringing both opportunities and rising fraud risks.

The solution pulls data from credit bureaus, government records, and watchlists to confirm identities. It also flags suspicious activities, such as authorised push payment (APP) fraud and account takeovers. Transaction monitoring tools help detect mule accounts and unusual behaviour.

Uganda's digital economy has seen a surge in mobile money services like M-Pesa, boosting transaction volumes. But fraud—including SIM swaps and counterfeit payment schemes—has also increased, despite regulatory efforts by the Bank of Uganda. The platform's Ugandan version is customised to address these local risks. Rob Meakin, Creditinfo's Director of Fraud and Identity, explained that the system helps businesses spot risks, follow compliance rules, and protect customers. Mark Mwanje, Managing Director at Creditinfo Uganda, added that it supports financial inclusion while meeting strict AML requirements in the country's fast-evolving digital market.

The new tool strengthens fraud defences during customer onboarding and ongoing transactions. It combines identity checks with real-time monitoring to reduce financial crime. Businesses in Uganda can now use it to secure digital payments and comply with anti-money laundering laws.