Bank of Uganda Warns Against Using Currency in Valentine’s Day Gifts
Kampala, February 2026 — With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Bank of Uganda has issued a stern warning to the public, florists, gift designers, and stylists to stop using physical currency notes and coins in bouquets and gift arrangements.
In a press statement dated 6th February 2026, Kenneth Egesa, Director of Communications and Public Relations at the central bank, emphasised that while giving cash as a gift is not prohibited, the manner in which it is presented must not damage the national currency.
The warning specifically addresses a growing trend where brand-new banknotes are glued, taped, pinned, or clipped into floral bouquets and creative gift items for social events and celebrations.
“The public is cautioned against any practice that mutilates, defaces, or compromises the integrity of Uganda Shilling currency,” Egesa stated. “This practice destroys the utility of banknotes, making them unusable in cash processing and distribution equipment such as cash counting machines and ATMs.”
He further explained that defaced notes must be prematurely withdrawn from circulation and replaced, leading to avoidable costs to the public and increasing the expense of printing new currency.
The Bank of Uganda urged those wishing to give monetary gifts to do so in a way that conforms to the normal use of currency in payment transactions, preserving the quality and lifespan of the notes.
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on 14th February, often sees a rise in creative gifting, but this year the central bank is calling for greater awareness to protect the physical integrity of the Uganda Shilling.
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