Isaac Bigirwa, Head of Cards and Payments at dfcu Bank In Uganda, where many people still rely on feature phones, dfcu Bank is making banking more accessible than ever. Its *240# USSD platform and instant-access Mobi Loan are changing the way people access, move, and borrow money — all without needing internet or a smartphone.“You don’t need data, Wi-Fi, or a smartphone to bank with us. Just dial *240#,” says Isaac Bigirwa, Head of Cards and Payments at dfcu Bank. “We want to make banking available to every Ugandan, wherever they are, using the simplest tools they already have.” Banking Made SimpleWith *240#, customers can check their balances, transfer money to other dfcu accounts or mobile wallets, pay bills and school fees, buy airtime, apply for loans, and even withdraw cash. Registration is simple and free: dial *240#, choose a language, enter your dfcu account number, and set a secure PIN.Because USSD works even in areas with poor data coverage, people in rural communities can manage their finances without traveling to a branch or buying expensive data bundles. “It is one of the most inclusive banking tools in Uganda today,” says Bigirwa.The wider financial landscape highlights just how critical tools like this are. According to FinScope Uganda 2023, 81% of adults are now financially included, up from 77% in 2018. Men (84%) and urban residents (87%) remain slightly more included than women (79%) and rural residents (78%). Mobile money usage continues to grow rapidly, with 64% of adults now using it, compared with 56% five years ago.The Bank of Uganda reports that active mobile money accounts reached 33.7 million in early 2025 — a 166% increase in recent years — and that over 92% of these transactions were low value, under UGX 50,000, showing how deeply mobile financial services have penetrated everyday life. In this context, banking without data or smartphones is not just convenient, it is transformative. Quick Loans When You Need Themdfcu’s Mobi Loan builds on that convenience by giving customers instant access to short-term funds through *240#, the dfcu Quick App, or Internet Banking. Eligibility is checked instantly, and funds are deposited directly into accounts within minutes, with confirmation via SMS.Available 24/7, including public holidays, the service offers a Personal Mobi Loan of up to UGX 2 million and an SME Mobi Loan of up to UGX 5 million. Eligibility is based on account activity and a minimum of six months of active banking history with dfcu.For individuals, Mobi Loan is a lifeline for urgent expenses like school fees or medical bills. For small businesses, it provides working capital to restock, pay suppliers, or manage cash flow.“This is part of our digital transformation journey,” says Bigirwa. “We are building systems that give customers convenience and empower them to make financial decisions on their own terms; anytime, anywhere.” Banking for EveryoneBy combining the accessibility of *240# with the speed of Mobi Loan, dfcu Bank is helping more Ugandans participate in the digital economy. Whether in the city or a remote village, the message is clear: every Ugandan deserves access to banking; one phone, one code, one transaction at a time.With financial inclusion rising, mobile money adoption spreading, and rural and low-income communities gaining access, tools like *240# and Mobi Loan are not just convenient; they are essential for broad-based economic empowerment. The post The Power Of A Simple Code: How dfcu’s 240# And Mobi Loan Are Transforming Banking In Uganda appeared first on Business Focus.