Which broker is better for Uganda traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Uganda’s forex trading scene is growing rapidly, with many traders using mobile money services like MTN MoMo and Airtel Money to fund their accounts. Two brokers that have gained popularity among Uganda traders are EasyMarkets and Libertex. Both accept local deposits in UGX, offer web and mobile platforms, and provide customer support in English. However, they differ significantly in trading costs, platform features, and regulation.
EasyMarkets is known for its fixed spreads, simple proprietary platform, and risk management tools such as the “deal cancellation” feature. Libertex, on the other hand, boasts variable spreads starting from 0.2 pips, MetaTrader 4 access, and a broader asset selection including stocks and cryptocurrencies. For Uganda traders—especially those using mobile money—the choice often comes down to cost predictability versus product variety.
While neither broker is regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Uganda, both hold international licenses (CySEC for EasyMarkets, FSC for Libertex). Traders should evaluate their own risk tolerance, trading style, and the availability of local support. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your needs as a Uganda-based trader.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 | Libertex |
When comparing trading costs for Uganda traders, EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips on major forex pairs with no commission. This means you always know your cost upfront—helpful when depositing smaller amounts via MTN MoMo. Libertex, by contrast, advertises variable spreads from 0.2 pips but adds a commission of around 0.02% per side. For a Uganda trader executing a $1,000 trade, Libertex’s total cost may be lower if spreads stay tight, but during volatile periods, spreads can widen significantly. If you trade frequently with larger volumes, Libertex’s overall cost structure may be more competitive. For those with modest accounts, EasyMarkets’ cost certainty is often preferred to avoid surprise slippage.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:999 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets provides its own web-based platform and mobile app, both designed for simplicity and ease of use. The interface is clean, with one-click trading and built-in risk tools. For Uganda traders who are new to forex, this platform is intuitive. Libertex offers its own web and mobile platforms plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4), the industry-standard for advanced charting and automated trading. Many Uganda traders prefer MT4 for its technical analysis capabilities. However, if you rely heavily on mobile trading via Airtel Money or MTN MoMo, both apps are functional, but Libertex’s MT4 app may feel more powerful for experienced users.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
EasyMarkets uses market execution with no requotes, ensuring orders are filled at the next available price. Their “deal cancellation” tool can refund losing trades for a fee, which is unique. Libertex offers instant execution on MT4 and its own platforms, but slippage may occur during high-impact news. For Uganda traders with potentially slower internet connections, both brokers perform reliably, though Libertex’s faster execution can be an advantage for scalping strategies. Spread widening is more common with Libertex during volatile events.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and holds EU MiFID status. Libertex is regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the Republic of Belarus and also holds an investment license in Cyprus. Neither broker is directly overseen by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Uganda, meaning Uganda traders do not have local deposit protection or regulatory recourse. This is common among brokers serving the region. For Uganda traders, it is crucial to perform due diligence—check the broker’s history, client reviews, and financial stability. Both brokers have been operating for over a decade, which offers some confidence, but the lack of CMA Uganda oversight remains a factor to consider.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 5 business days |
Depositing funds as a Uganda trader is straightforward with both EasyMarkets and Libertex. To deposit using MTN MoMo: log into your broker account, select the mobile money option, choose MTN Uganda, enter your phone number and amount, then confirm via the MTN MoMo PIN prompt. The funds appear in your trading account almost instantly. Airtel Money works similarly. Bank transfers are also accepted but may take 1–3 business days. Withdrawals are processed via the same methods. EasyMarkets has a minimum deposit of $100, while Libertex’s minimum is $50. Both brokers may convert UGX to USD using their internal exchange rates, which could include a small markup. Always check the final UGX amount before confirming.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in Uganda who require swap-free accounts compliant with Sharia law, both EasyMarkets and Libertex offer Islamic account options. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts upon request—you need to contact their support team after registration. Libertex allows you to select the Islamic account type during the account opening process. Both versions operate without overnight interest (swap) charges on positions held past market close. There are no extra fees, but standard spreads and commissions apply. For Uganda traders observing Islamic principles, either broker can accommodate, though Libertex offers a more streamlined setup process.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets offers customer support via live chat, email, and phone. Their live chat is available 24/5 and responds in English. Libertex also supports live chat, email, and phone, with similar hours. Neither broker provides a dedicated Uganda phone number, but English-language support is effective. For Uganda traders, the live chat feature is most convenient for quick questions about deposits via MTN MoMo or Airtel Money. Response times are generally under a minute for live chat, and email replies come within a few hours.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For Uganda traders using mobile money (MTN MoMo, Airtel Money) and operating with modest account sizes, EasyMarkets offers a safer, more straightforward experience with fixed costs and strong risk management. Libertex, with its higher overall rating (3.7/5), lower spreads, and diverse asset selection, is better suited for experienced traders who want flexibility and are comfortable with variable spreads and commissions. Both brokers accept local payments in UGX and are not regulated by CMA Uganda, so personal due diligence is essential. Ultimately, Libertex wins on features and reputation, but EasyMarkets may be the more practical choice for beginners or those focused on cost certainty.