Kampala — Access to money transfer services will improve after MoneyGram International, a leading cash transfer agency struck a deal with Uganda Finance Trust Ltd to offer the services through its outlets.

MoneyGram's local agent -- Allied Bank, sealed the deal that will bring closer access by local communities to money sent to them from Kampala and other urban centres as well as from abroad.

Allied Bank representative Mr Steven Kigenyi said the partnership would permit thousands of people in Uganda to enjoy the most speedy, convenient and reliable money transfer service.

The MP Isingiro North, Mr Bright Rwamirama who officiated at the launch at U-Trust on Bombo Road in Kampala said the development was a manifestation of the outpouring benefits from the technological revolution, particularly electronic financial transactions.

He said Allied Bank-MoneyGram-U-Trust partnership was bringing millions of poor people upcountry into the global economic web and offering fresh hope of victory for the poverty eradication fight.

"The rich countries we admire have been driven by innovative technologies that benefit the majority," he said.

Uganda Finance Trust was founded in 1984 by a team of women who sought to use resources at their disposal to help rural women emancipate themselves.

It extends soft loans to women entrepreneurs managing small businesses. From a severely constrained NGO then, it has grown to become a reputable micro finance institution boasting a 21-office national network.

Ugandans working abroadremit back home $500 million annually, officials said.