Ugandan Shilling Banknotes (UGX)

The Ugandan shilling is defined by its 2010 redesign, combining biodiversity themes with refined security features within a modern East African currency system.

Quick Facts

Country: Uganda

Code: UGX

Symbol: USh

System: Decimal (1 Shilling = 100 Cents)

Status: In circulation

Issuer: Bank of Uganda

The Story of the Ugandan Shilling

The Ugandan shilling (UGX) was introduced in 1966 following the dissolution of the East African Currency Board, establishing a national monetary system under the Bank of Uganda. After periods of inflation and restructuring, the 2010 series marked a comprehensive redesign that modernised both visual identity and technical security. This transition created a durable banknote framework suited to a cash-intensive economy and positioned Uganda among the more advanced currency systems in East Africa.

Design & Symbolism

Banknotes of the UGX series are produced to high international standards, ensuring consistent engraving quality and material durability. The visual program is centred on national biodiversity, most notably the mountain gorilla featured on the 50,000 shilling note, alongside the Grey Crowned Crane and key cultural landmarks such as the Kasubi Tombs. Technically, the series incorporates multi-tone watermarks, embedded security threads, microprinting and colour-shifting elements, creating a clear visual response under changing light while maintaining structural resilience in humid equatorial conditions.

For collectors

For collectors, the Ugandan shilling offers a modern wildlife series with a clearly defined entry point in the 2010 redesign. The recognition of the 50,000 shilling note and the strong thematic coherence across denominations place the series within both biodiversity-focused and modern African collections. Due to intensive circulation conditions, fully fresh UNC examples are less commonly encountered, with preserved specimens distinguished by strong paper integrity, intact optical elements and undisturbed colour surfaces.

The Ugandan shilling remains the official currency of Uganda, circulating within a decimal system across a high-velocity cash economy.