Bank of Uganda has warned the public to desist from writing on currency notes a practice it says is illegal and could lock them in prison.
This follows various images of banknotes of different value circulating on the social media with political messages reading “vote Bobi Wine 2021” and “Vote Museveni 2021” since Friday .
Mary Katarikawe, the executive director for operations, while addressing the press at BOU offices on Monday warned Ugandans to stop saying it is not only wrong but disrespectful to write on currency and Ugandans should stop it.
She said banknotes and coins are neither election nor campaigning material but for trade and other transactions. Katarikawe condemned the misuse and discouraged Ugandans from continuing with 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.
