International money transfer
Western Union
Send and receive money through Western Union.
Use Western Union's familiar global network at any Virah counter, with a person available to check your transfer details before you proceed.
Plan your visit
Start with the right Virah branch.
Every advertised service is available at every Virah branch. The team will guide you clearly through current transaction requirements.
Quick answers before you travel
The essentials, at a glance.
At a glance
How Virah can help
Straightforward branch assistance for the service you need, with current documents and transaction details explained before you transact.
MTCN-assisted collection
Worldwide reach
Gold-standard counter guidance
Before you travel
Prepare in three simple steps
Requirements can vary by transaction. These steps help the branch guide you without guessing about documents, charges or processing times.
Tell us what you need to do
Let the branch know whether you plan to send or receive a Western Union transfer.
Keep your transfer details ready
Have the information supplied by the sender or transfer service available when you contact us.
Bring the right documents
Western Union is available at every Virah branch. Staff will explain the current information and documents required for your transaction.
Safety, compliance, complaints and FAQsOpen the full guidance
Provider-specific checklist
What to carry before you visit.
Requirements can change by service, amount, destination and risk checks. Bring originals and call the branch when anything is unclear.
Western Union is available at every Virah branch. Document and compliance requirements can vary by transaction.
To receive cash
The receiver must be 18 or older in Uganda.
- One original ID combination listed by Western Union Uganda for receiving: Uganda National ID, Uganda passport, Uganda driver's licence, foreign passport with visa or entry stamp, asylum-seeker letter, or a plastic refugee card together with the applicable eligibility or family-attestation letter. Its page also names a Makerere card and an 'Individual Credit Financial Card' for certain transaction bands, subject to bank verification. Call first because the provider or verifying bank makes the final acceptance decision.
- The correct Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN).
- The sender's full name, sending country and expected amount.
- Make sure the receiver name on the transfer exactly matches the ID.
To send money
Additional compliance information may be requested.
- An original, valid government-issued photo ID. Western Union's current Uganda page does not separately publish a complete sender-ID list, so confirm the accepted document before travelling.
- The receiver's full legal name exactly as it appears on their ID.
- Destination country, amount, and the receiver's phone number or payout details where applicable.
- Funds for the transfer and fees, plus source-of-funds or purpose information if requested.
Safe branch use
Four checks before money moves.
- 01
Use a listed branch
Every advertised Virah service is available throughout the branch network. Use a listed counter and do not hand cash to someone who approaches you outside it.
- 02
Protect secrets
Never reveal a PIN, OTP, account password or full card security details. Enter secret credentials yourself.
- 03
Check every detail
Read back the name, number, amount, currency, rate and any fee before authorising. Stop if anything is different.
- 04
Keep the receipt
Wait for the official receipt, SMS or reference and keep it until the transaction and any complaint are fully resolved.
Questions before the counter
Frequently asked questions.
These answers use official provider or regulator guidance and explain transaction requirements without making up rates, fees or processing times.
01Can someone collect without the MTCN?
Western Union's Uganda guidance says the receiver must present the correct MTCN. Do not post or share it publicly.
02Which identity documents does Western Union Uganda list for receiving?
Its current Uganda page lists Uganda National ID, Uganda passport, Uganda driver's licence, a foreign passport with visa or entry stamp, an asylum-seeker letter, specified refugee-card combinations, and two bank-verifiable card categories described there as a Makerere card and an 'Individual Credit Financial Card.' Bring originals and call first because the page groups these by transaction band and verification rules can change.
03How fast is a transfer?
Timing depends on agent hours, destination, time zones, service availability and compliance review. Do not rely on an 'instant' promise until the transfer status says it is ready.
04Does every Virah branch offer Western Union?
Yes. Virah confirms that Western Union is available at every Virah branch. Bring the correct documents and transaction details for staff to review.
05What if I suspect fraud?
If the money has not been collected, contact Western Union or the sending agent immediately. Never send to a stranger, prize claim, loan-fee request or unverified emergency.
Verified company-level record
Bank of Uganda supervision.
Checked against the Bank of Uganda supervised-institutions data on 13 July 2026. FIA also lists Virah Forex Bureau Ltd as an accountable money/currency changer.
Problems, fraud or complaints
Keep the proof. Escalate in order.
- 1. Contact VirahUse your receipt or reference and explain what happened.
- 2. Contact the providerUse Western Union's Uganda help channel for transfer-specific escalation after contacting Virah.
- 3. Contact Bank of UgandaToll-free 0800 144 044 or info@bou.or.ug for public feedback and regulatory guidance.
- 4. Report suspected crimeContact the provider promptly and report suspected fraud to police.
Ready when you are
Confirm the details with Virah.
Choose a convenient branch or contact the team for current transaction guidance.