Love, Flowers and the Shilling: BoU sounds alarm over ‘money bouquets’ ahead of Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, a season traditionally marked by flowers, chocolates and elaborate gifting, the Bank of Uganda (BoU) has issued a caution to the public against a growing trend that is quietly costing the economy: the use of Uganda Shilling banknotes and coins as decorative material.

In a public notice issued this week, the central bank warned that designing paper money into flower bouquets, artistic displays and gift arrangements amounts to the mutilation and defacement of currency, an act that compromises the integrity and functionality of legal tender.

The notice was issued by Kenneth Egesa, Director of Communications and Public Relations, on behalf of the Bank of Uganda.

The warning is directed particularly at florists, event designers, gifting stylists and their clients, who have increasingly adopted “money bouquets” as premium Valentine’s and celebration gifts. According to the Bank, these creations often involve brand-new banknotes being glued, pinned, clipped or taped together—practices that permanently damage the notes.

A Costly Trend for the Economy

Beyond aesthetics, the Bank of Uganda says the practice has serious financial implications. Once altered, damaged banknotes can no longer be processed by cash counting machines, ATMs and other cash-handling equipment, which form a critical backbone of the country’s cash distribution system.

“This results in premature withdrawal of banknotes from circulation and their replacement at an avoidable cost to the public,” the Bank noted, highlighting that currency printing and replacement is a significant expense ultimately borne by taxpayers.

At a time when central banks globally are seeking efficiency in currency management, BoU says unnecessary destruction of usable banknotes undermines these efforts.

Cash as a Gift Is Allowed; With Conditions

The central bank was careful to strike a balance between regulation and tradition, clarifying that it does not object to the gifting of cash. However, such exchanges must conform to the normal and lawful use of currency, as a medium of exchange, not as craft material.

In essence, cash should be given as cash, not as décor.

Protecting the Shilling’s Integrity

The warning underscores the Bank of Uganda’s broader mandate to safeguard the national currency, ensuring it retains its role as a store of value and a reliable medium of exchange.

As Valentine’s Day gifting plans gather pace, the central bank is urging Ugandans to express affection creatively, but responsibly, without compromising the integrity of the Uganda Shilling.

For lovers planning grand gestures this Valentine’s Day, the message from the central bank is clear: romance should not come at the expense of the nation’s currency.