KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Bank of Uganda has issued a strong reminder to the public, especially florists, event designers, and gift stylists, to stop using currency notes and coins to create bouquets, decorative cakes, or other gift items.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The directive was announced in a public notice shared via the Bank of Uganda’s Twitter handle and signed by the Director of Communications and Public Relations, Kenneth Egesa.
The Bank cautioned the public against damaging currency notes and coins, specifically by gluing or taping them into decorative gifts, in a move to protect the integrity of the national currency.
The central financial institution clarified that while cash gifts are culturally acceptable, the notes and coins must remain completely undamaged and fully usable for normal transactions.
Kenneth Egesa explained that when notes are glued or pinned, they become jammed and unusable in essential cash processing equipment such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and cash counting machines.
He added that this damages the national cash distribution system and forces the early replacement of currency, a cost that is ultimately borne by the public.
The Director of Communications and Public Relations emphasized the Bank’s commitment to protecting the national currency as a reliable medium of exchange and store of value, encouraging the public to keep all money in usable condition for everyone’s benefit.
Event decorators in Uganda commonly use money in creative ways to decorate gifts, especially for special occasions like weddings or birthdays.
This creative tradition, which includes money bouquets and garlands, adds a personal touch to gift-giving but violates the law by rendering the currency unusable.
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