MJAMR

Digital Financial Services and Profitability of Microfinance Institutions in Uganda: A Case of FINCA Uganda.

Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara, Tumwine George


Abstract

The study examined the influence of Digital Financial Services (DFS) on the profitability of microfinance institutions in Uganda, with specific reference to FINCA Uganda. The objectives of the study were to quantify the impact of mobile money transactions, digital loans, and agency banking on profitability; to evaluate management perceptions regarding the influence of DFS on operational determinants of profitability; and to identify the critical challenges and strategic success factors affecting the linkage between DFS adoption and profitability. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and both primary and secondary data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. The results revealed that mobile money transactions (β = 0.412, p < 0.001), digital loans (β = 0.368, p = 0.001), and agency banking (β = 0.295, p = 0.002) significantly enhanced profitability, accounting for 64% of the variation in profitability outcomes. Findings further showed that management perceived DFS as improving customer retention (β = 0.425, p < 0.001), cost efficiency (β = 0.354, p = 0.003), and revenue growth (β = 0.297, p = 0.007). The study also established that poor connectivity negatively affected DFS–profitability linkages (β = -0.284, p = 0.003), whereas customer trust (β = 0.397, p < 0.001) and staff training (β = 0.316, p = 0.002) emerged as critical success factors. It was concluded that DFS adoption significantly contributed to the profitability of FINCA Uganda by broadening financial access, reducing operational costs, and enhancing customer loyalty. However, challenges such as infrastructural limitations and connectivity gaps constrained the full realization of profitability benefits. The study recommended that FINCA Uganda should expand DFS services, improve digital infrastructure in partnership with telecom operators, enhance customer trust through robust security measures, strengthen staff capacity through continuous training, and engage policymakers in creating a supportive regulatory framework.

Keywords

Digital Financial Services Mobile Money Digital Loans Agency Banking Profitability FINCA Uganda Microfinance Institutions
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

Cite This Article

Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara & Tumwine George (2025). Digital Financial Services and Profitability of Microfinance Institutions in Uganda: A Case of FINCA Uganda. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 4(10). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=52

More in This Issue

View full issue →
6
Decentralization And Education Service Delivery In Kanungu District: A Case Study Of Kanungu Town Council
Mbabazi Specious1 , Kaziro Nicholas 2
Decentralization Education Service Delivery Fiscal Decentralization Administrative Autonomy
7
Domestic Violence And Academic Performance In Secondary Schools In Nansana Municipality Wakiso District
Tushabe Mercy1 , Kirwisa Matovu2
Domestic Violence Academic Performance and Secondary Schools
8
Domestic Violence On Girl Childs` Self Esteem In Secondary Schools In Nyakishana Sub County Buhweju District
Natumanya Vicent1 , Tanda Moses2
: Domestic Violence Girl Child Self-Esteem School Environment
9
E-Recruitment Practices, application processes, career websites, online assessments and automated shortlisting
Shumon Yem Gimson.
The Impact Of Information Technology On The Efficiency Of Nigeria Banking System. A Study Of The Bank Of Industry Kaduna State.
10
Effect Of Social Media On Academic Performance Of Learners In Uganda. A Case Study Of Secondary School Students In Bugweri District
Basengani Rogers1 , Dr. Sekiswa Peter2
Social media academic performance digital learning secondary schools