Why it is time for Uganda to act on banknote handling

________________

OPINION

By Justin Ojangole

Having handled currencies from different countries, including the United States dollar, Chinese yuan, British pound, euro, South African rand, United Arab Emirates dirham and our own Uganda shilling — I have come to realise that beyond their economic function, banknotes are powerful symbols of a nation’s identity, pride and sovereignty.

Unfortunately, Uganda continues to struggle with widespread careless handling of its banknotes. It is common to see people folding, scribbling on, stapling or even tearing and throwing money during disputes or celebrations.

During political rallies, politicians often throw small-denomination notes into crowds, triggering a scramble that leaves notes trampled, torn and soiled.

Other users store money in damp bags, under armpits or in socks, subjecting the notes to unhygienic conditions that quickly degrade their quality and shorten their lifespan.

As we approach the 2026 national elections, these practices are likely to worsen. Money plays a huge role in Uganda’s politics. It is used to mobilise supporters, print materials and fund events.

However, the increasing monetisation of politics has shifted public expectations. In my home sub-region of Teso, I have witnessed voters pressuring politicians to ‘talk,’ a polite expression used when asking for cash.

When a politician fails to hand out money, chants like ‘ijangu emwebe’ (shake the mangoes) or warnings such as ‘iriamari akalaya’ (we shall meet at the ballot box) ring out.

To avoid a backlash, some candidates resort to throwing notes of sh1,000 or sh2,000 notes into crowds, leading to disorder and damaging the integrity of the currency.

This pattern of abuse reflects a deeper disregard for the symbolic value of our money. According to the Bank of Uganda, the materials (substrates) used to make banknotes are designed to last longer, even when you wash the note in your pocket, it can still be used.

However, careless handling undermines this durability. The irony is that while many Ugandans treat the US dollar with care, storing it in clean wallets or envelopes, some people crumple, fold, or ‘test’ the authenticity of the shilling by squeezing it in their hands. These behaviours, though often unconscious, are harmful and disrespectful.

Moreover, this careless handling imposes a financial burden on the Bank of Uganda, which must reprint and replace damaged notes.

Beyond economics, what is at stake is national pride. The Uganda shilling is not just a tool for transactions; it is a symbol of our independence, governance, and unity. When we deface or mishandle our currency, we are not only damaging property, we are dishonouring our national identity.

It’s time to change. As a country, we need a cultural shift in how we treat our money. Parents should teach children to value the shilling. Politicians should model responsible behaviour by avoiding reckless giveaways. Religious leaders, schools, and the media must help raise awareness about the value and proper handling of our currency.

Ultimately, respecting the shilling means respecting ourselves. If we can care for foreign currencies like the dollar and the pound, we can and must extend the same care to our own.

Let us begin today, during this campaign period, by treating every shilling with the dignity it deserves.

The writer is a publisher