Kampala
With just days to the much-anticipated Valentine’s Day slated for February 14, 2026, the Bank of Uganda (BoU) has warned the public against using the national currency as gift wraps to celebrate the day of love, saying the practice damages banknotes and increases the cost of printing and destroying defaced money.
The warning was issued by Kenneth Egesa, the Director of Communications and Public Relations at the central bank, in a press statement released on February 6, 2026.
“The public is cautioned against any practice that mutilates, defaces, or compromises the integrity of Uganda Shilling currency,” Egesa said. “This practice destroys the utility of banknotes, making them unusable in cash-processing and distribution equipment such as cash-counting machines and ATMs, which are a critical part of the cash distribution system.”
He added that the misuse of currency results in the premature withdrawal of banknotes from circulation and their replacement at an avoidable cost to the public.
The central bank particularly targeted florists, designers, gifting stylists and their clients, warning them to desist from using banknotes and coins to create bouquets and similar decorative items for Valentine’s Day and other social events.
“This mainly involves the use of brand-new banknotes that are stuck together using glue, cello tape, pins, clips and other adhesives or fasteners as part of floral bouquets for various social events and gifting ceremonies,” Egesa noted.
He clarified that while the Bank does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such exchanges should conform to the normal and intended use of currency to facilitate payment transactions.
The Bank of Uganda has in the past issued similar warnings, reminding the public that defacing or mutilating currency is prohibited and undermines the integrity of the national currency.
Torch Media Africa
