The Electronic Dollar A DAY (EDAD) Mobile Money Saving Box (EMMSB) http://www.ranlab.org/innovations/ric4ace-grantees, Facebook – Edad E-Payments https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011062423712&fref=ts is an award winning and patented electronic mobile money saving box that can be placed in all mobile money enabled telephones to facilitate mobile telephone users to save money habitually. The innovator behind this project is a Ugandan Engineer, Daniel Kibiri Byamukama. Other team members include the following;
| Name | Field of training | Position on Team |
| Daniel Byamukama | Professional Engineer (Electronics Mechanical and Solar) (UK) | Team leader |
| Sheena Kokunda | Bachelors of Engineering in Electronics (Telecommunications) Malaysia | Member |
| Paul Bakaki | Computer Science Lecturer (MUK) | Member |
| Emanuel Lule | Computer Science Lecturer (MUK) | Member |
| Robert Kimera | Msc. Human Resource Development (UK)Diploma Computer Systems Design (UK) | Office Support |
Contact the EDAD Team via edad.epayments@gmail.com
Since its invention in 2012 EMMSB has undergone several phases of refinement, testing and piloting. The inventor assigned EDAD e-Payments limited (EEPL) to commercialize the box. Currently, all mobile phone users in Uganda registered on MTN mobile money services can use the service by dialling *278# and following the prompts. Soon, other users on the Airtel network too will be able to use the service.
Growing steadily, in June 2015, the EMMSB won a grant from USAID (USD 45, 000 ), which has since facilitated a process of incubation at the Makerere University, School of Public Health ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) Innovations-incubation Lab. Prior to this funding, the EDAD innovation faced challenges which included EEPL acquiring a platform of its own, conducting research on user acceptance of the EMMSB as well as further testing, piloting and refinement of the tool. “This funding came in timely” added Engineer Byamukama, EDAD Lead Innovator. The relationship with RAN and the funding from USAID has been of great benefit to the EDAD project in several ways;
- With the direct intervention of RAN, EDAD was able to acquire a USSD (short code) *278# from Uganda Communications Commission, a key component to the operations of the EMMSB.
- Through incubation at RAN, the EDAD team conducted a Needfinding exercise in Kasese District to gather insights for further development of the project. The tool has been demonstrated, and made available through mini-piloting within targeted communities in Kasese and prototype refinement is currently being done.
- The EDAD team has access to a conducive working environment in the RAN Innovation lab including unlimited internet access as well as free refreshments (tea, coffee and water, etc.).
- The EDAD team has also benefitted from a number of mentorship opportunities at RAN through activities such as; Innovation Garages, Co-creation workshops, Business Modelling workshops, Introduction to publishing and the proximity to the RAN team which allows for regular consultations.
- Working with RAN has enhanced the team’s networking potential and ability. At RAN, they engage with different other innovators, an opportunity that offers more learning and continued exposure to other projects being incubated at RAN.
- Being professional and hard working. The good work ethic and high standards of professionalism exhibited by the RAN team has been a good motivation for the EDAD team too, allowing the team to achieve a lot over the period.
“Together, we are committed to further working with innovators and the communities to develop innovations as game changers to address communities’ most pressing challenges” stressed Dr. Roy William Mayega, RAN Deputy Chief of Party.
Residents of Kasese District attending a training workshop.
Kasese EDAD agents in a practical session.
Training in progress in Kasese town
The Kasese EDAD agents are now taking the gospel deeper into the rural areas.