Press Release

UGANDAN UNIVERSITIES DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP

2018
Theme: Harnessing youth voices for financial inclusion
23 January 2018 – Today, Mobinet Group, a Hong Kong based fintech company with operations
across Africa, announces the launch of its inaugural annual Ugandan Universities Debate
Championship (UUDC) scheduled to take place on Friday 9 February.

Mobinet, in partnership with Interswitch, an integrated payment and transaction processing company
are hosting this flagship event to provide a platform for young people to share their perspectives on
some of the issues surrounding financial technology and its impact on the future of the Ugandan
financial sector. The country’s vast student population makes it the ideal location to launch such an
event.

This year’s debate features four top universities; Makerere University, Kyambogo University,
Uganda Christian University and Makerere University Business School. The tournament will be held
at the Pearl of Africa Hotel under the theme ‘Harnessing youth voices for financial inclusion.’ The
winners will be awarded various prizes including an all-expenses paid trip for the top two teams to
some of the world’s most desired destinations.

The debate will be attended by over 250 students, various dignitaries from the corporate world and
government, as well as notable institutions within the country. It will be chaired by Mr. Jacob Eyeru
of the Uganda Debate Society using the gold standard British Parliamentary Format of Debate

Mobinet CEO, Andrew Otiko commented: “the impact of fintech in improving the lives of many
people across Africa cannot be underestimated. It is vitally important to tap into the views of the next
generation of users of this technology who will be instrumental in shaping the next wave of fintech
and promoting greater financial inclusion for all.

Here at Mobinet we are committed to improving financial inclusion within the Ugandan market and
changing the landscape for the provision of financial services within the country. Complimenting
Uganda’s launch of its National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2017-2022 in October 2017, we are
delighted to provide a platform through the championship to spark this conversation.

Discussions which will highlight the reasons a broad and inclusive access to formal financial services
is essential for the sustainable development of individuals, businesses and the economy of Uganda.”

To find out more, interested parties can visit the official debate website at www.uudc.ug.
Notes to editors

1. Mobinet is a rapidly growing Fintech company with operations across Africa.

2. Financial Technology commonly referred to as ‘fintech’ is one of the world’s fastest growing
investment areas. In 2017, Africa recorded over 500 innovation startups, ranked 3rd behind Asia and
Europe, in ventures designed to increase financial inclusion within developing economies with high
levels of unbanked and under-banked citizens.

3. In the Ugandan market, financial inclusion remains a big challenge with just 55% of all adults
having access to formal financial services; of which 11% gain access through traditional bank
branches and over half through Fintech enabled services. The necessity to connect all ‘unbanked’ and
‘under-banked’ Ugandans to financial services cannot be overstated because it catalyzes capital
exchange in the economy which in turn provides foundation to trade growth and consequently
economic development.

Press contact: Charity Kwoshaba, Business Development Manager Email/tel number: charity@m-
netsolutions.com / 0702623268 Mobinet website: www.mobinetgroup.com
Twitter: @uudcinfo
Facebook: @uudcuganda