Advertisement
Uganda joins Kenya, Rwanda in cautioning against use of banknotes in money bouquets
06th February, 2026 11:38 PM
Uganda has followed Kenya and Rwanda in cautioning citizens against using its currency in decorative displays, including money bouquets, a trend that has become popular ahead of Valentine’s Day.
In a press statement issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, the Bank of Uganda warned that anyone found misusing the national currency through such practices could face action in accordance with the law.
In the public caution, the Central Bank expressed concern over the growing trend where florists, gifting stylists, and couples use brand-new Uganda Shilling notes to create flashy bouquets for Valentine’s Day and other social events.
The Bank said the practice, which involves glueing, taping, pinning or clipping banknotes together, compromises the integrity of the currency and destroys its usefulness.
According to the statement, altered notes cannot be processed through ATMs or cash counting machines, which are critical to the country’s cash distribution system.
This leads to the premature withdrawal of banknotes from circulation and forces the public to bear unnecessary replacement costs.
“Whereas the Bank does not object to the use of cash as a gift, this exchange should conform to the normal use of currency to facilitate payment transactions”, the statement read.
Regional stance
The move mirrors a similar warning issued days earlier by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which also raised alarm over the rising popularity of cash flower bouquets among Kenyans ahead of Valentine’s Day.
In its notice dated February 2, 2026, CBK said that folding, glueing, and stapling of Kenya Shilling notes damages currency and interferes with cash-handling equipment, including ATMs.
CBK further reminded the public that defacing or mutilating currency is an offence under Section 367 of the Penal Code, urging Kenyans to adopt alternative, non-damaging ways of presenting monetary gifts.
The announcement by Uganda comes after Rwanda also cautioned its citizens against using banknotes for decorative purposes ahead of Valentine’s Day.
The National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) highlighted a growing trend of crafting money bouquets, floral arrangements, and ornamental gifts using Rwandan Francs, warning that such practices compromise the integrity of the currency.
According to the NBR, folding, glueing, taping, or pinning notes not only damages them but also renders them unsuitable for ATMs and cash processing machines, leading to unnecessary costs for both the public and the banking system.
