Kampala, Uganda | URN | Bank of Uganda has warned the public against writing on currency notes, highlighting that the practice is illegal and could land them to prison.
The warning follows various images circulating on social media with political messages reading “Vote Bobi Wine 2021” and “Vote Museveni 2021.” Notes of different value were displayed on social media since Friday 6th with such messages.
STUPID MOVE BY PUPU PAWA@BOU_Official should issue an urgent directive on tampering with legal tender, bills with such stupid ink prints must be rejected for any form of transaction.
Am giving BOU and @PoliceUg 48 hrs to issue a statement. pic.twitter.com/nOdwVcPLA8— Masha Abrah Abbie (@AbbieAbrah) December 9, 2019
Addressing the press at BOU offices on Monday 9th, December 2019, Mary Katarikawe, the Executive Director for operations said it was wrong and disrespectful to write on currency and Ugandans should stop it.
In a message on Twitter, BOU said: “Writing on Banknotes is called graffiti and it can get you into trouble with the Police.”
The Penal code makes it a crime for anyone to destroy the legal tender of a country. Although the notes remain in circulation, the act shortens the lifespan of the currency.
