So, let’s talk about money. When traveling to Uganda, you will need to know several things about how to use Uganda currency as well as a few money safety tips. Uganda is mostly a cash-based society, and the country’s official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX) which is also represented by the symbol USh.

1. History and Family of Banknotes of the Uganda Shilling

Would you believe that Uganda currency has changed seven times in the last 50 years?

After Uganda’s independence from Great Britain in 1962 and consequently the collapse of the Eastern African Currency Board in 1966, the Bank of Uganda introduced its first banknotes of 5, 10 and 20 shillings.

As Uganda politics evolved and changed with various leaders so did the currency with many different banknotes being introduced and modified to reflect the leadership present at the time. The latest change was in May 2010.

Current Uganda Banknotes

·         50,000 shillings

·         20,000 shillings

·         10,000 shillings

·         5,000 shillings

·         2,000 shillings

·         1,000 shillings

Current Uganda Coins

·         50 shillings

·         100 shillings

·         200 shillings

·         500 shillings

2. Uganda Heritage Symbols on Ugandan Banknotes

Take a look at the emblems on Uganda banknotes, and you will get an insight into the country’s natural, cultural, and historical heritage.

For example, on the 50,000 shillings note, you will see an image of the Independence Monument, a crested crane, the Bwindi tropical rainforest, silverback mountain gorillas, and the outline of a man wearing a Karimojong headdress. The International Bank Note Society has rated this Ugandan banknote as one of the most beautiful currency in the world.

·         The 20,000 shillings note depicts the country’s coat of arms, a traditional drum, the Nile River, the Parliament Building in Kampala, and the Ugandan kob. You will also see symbols of coffee and cotton because these two cash crops are important to the country’s economy.

·         Musical instruments on the 10,000 shillings note signify Uganda’s musical heritage while the coat of arms symbol displays spears and the waves of Lake Victoria. On the backside of this note, you will see an image of the Kiira Hydroelectric Power Station.

·         In addition to the coat of arms on the 5,000 shillings note, you will see illustrations of Lake Bunyonyi and the MV Kaawa Ferry on Lake Victoria.

·         On the 2,000 shillings note are the illustrations of the Speke Memorial, an outline map of Uganda with the equator, a woman uplifting a child, the Nile River, and the crested crane.

·         The 1,000 shillings note depicts Uganda’s agriculture with symbols of a farmer working on a banana plantation and trucks in front of grain silos.

More reading: Is Uganda Safe?

3. Six Counterfeit Security Features

Uganda is the first country in Africa to use the advanced optical security feature against counterfeiting known as SPARK. Other security features on Uganda banknotes include:

1.       High-quality paper that is difficult to reproduce

2.      Watermark image of the crested crane with the denomination below the beak

3.      Special thread woven into the paper that changes colors when tilted.

4.      Foiled images on each denomination that change patterns at different angles.

5.      See-through section that displays symbols from the back and front sides simultaneously when held to the light

6.      Advanced optical security feature (SPARK)

4. Stability of the Uganda Shilling

The Uganda shilling is a stable, convertible Uganda currency that floats against foreign currency on the international market. For you as a tourist, this means that you can exchange your home currency for shillings to pay for products and services everywhere in Uganda.

However, you will find that the euro (EUR), Great Britain pound (GBP), and the U.S. dollar (USD) are used frequently throughout Uganda. Many tour operators, such as those for gorilla trekking, and upscale hotels often quote in U.S. dollars, but you can use Uganda shillings for payment.

5. Exchanging Your Money to Uganda Shillings

When traveling to Uganda, you can exchange your home currency for Uganda currency before departure or after arrival. In Uganda, banks and forex bureaus (bureaux de change) in major towns will convert your money to the local currency.

When exchanging your money to Uganda shillings, it is recommended that you request smaller banknotes because you may find it difficult to obtain change for larger notes in some places. Plus, smaller notes make it easier for tipping.

If you are traveling from the United States, you must know that Uganda does not accept dollar bills any older than 2006 due to previous forgery experiences. Also, you should make sure your bills are in good condition when exchanging them for Uganda shillings to ensure acceptance and maybe even a better rate.

If you want to get the best possible exchange rate after arriving in Uganda, the best place to do so is in Kampala, the country’s capital city. If you are planning on gorilla trekking or going on a wildlife safari, the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) accepts euros, dollars and pounds and will also offer you fair currency exchange rates for gorilla permits and national park fees.

Before traveling to Uganda, you can go online and check various financial websites for the current exchange rate. Some of the more widely known sites include Google Finance, Yahoo! Finance, and OANDA. As of the writing of this article, the exchange rate is as follows:

·         1 EUR = 4379.64 UGX

·         1 USD = 3783.55 UGX

·         1 GBP = 4950.62 UGX

·         1 CAD = 2901.38 UGX

·         1 AUD = 2691.62 UGX

6. Using ATMs in Uganda

If you wish to use an ATM while in Uganda, you will most likely need a Visa debit or credit card because Visa is what is preferred in this country.

The best places to use an ATM machine are the largest and most common banks found throughout the country, which include Barclays, Crane, Stanbic, Orient, Centenary, and Standard Chartered. You will find at least one of these banks even in smaller towns.

4 Tips For Using ATMs in Uganda:

Prior to traveling, alert your home bank that you will be using your card in Uganda or else you may find it denied.

1.       Be aware of the daily cash withdrawal limit.

2.      Use ATMs that offer privacy and protect your PIN number as you punch it in.

3.      Do not accept assistance from volunteers at an ATM because they could be local scammers.

4.      Try not to let your cash run out because you may find some ATMs empty or non-working.

7. Using Your Credit Card in Uganda

Credit cards are not as widely used in Uganda as in other countries except in major hotels, posh restaurants and safari lodges. You should be aware that when using your credit card in Uganda, a surcharge of anywhere between 5 percent and 15 percent could be added to your bill.

To reduce your risks of credit card fraud and theft, it is best to not use your credit card in Uganda because scamming technology is becoming more sophisticated. However, if you do choose to use a credit card, you will need to use a Visa because most other cards are not accepted, except for MasterCard occasionally.

8. Should You Use Traveler’s Cheques in Uganda?

With the exception of major international banks such as Barclays, Stanbic, and Standard Chartered, it is probably not a good idea to use traveler’s cheques in Uganda as many places will either not accept them or will exchange them at a terribly low rate and with extra fees.

9. Is it Okay to Bargain in Uganda?

One of the fun things about visiting other countries is bargaining with vendors over souvenirs and handicrafts.

In Uganda, some bargaining is acceptable at markets and family-owned stores, but make sure you take a kind and light-hearted approach while engaging in this because aggressive haggling is unwelcome. In well-established shops such as those in Kampala, you will find most items already priced and non-negotiable.

10. Tipping in Uganda

Tipping in Uganda is not really expected, but since you will find that many Ugandans are very poor with wages much lower than what you are accustomed, tipping vendors in Uganda shillings is much appreciated.

In restaurants, a reasonable tip is between 1,000 USh and 1,500 USh while for a national park ranger or safari guide, a good tip may be between 5,000 USh and 10,000 USh. For a taxi driver, you can just round up the fare to next whole amount as a tip.

11. Money Safety Tips While Visiting Uganda

In general, traveling in Uganda is safe, but you should always practice safety when it comes to your money. Here are a few tips:

1.       Wear anti-theft articles to hide your cash such a money belt or slash-proof backpack with secret pockets. Otherwise, keep your money in your front pocket instead of the back pocket.

2.      Don’t use ATMs in bars or anywhere that people could be watching you withdraw your money.

3.      Don’t flash your money in public places which could attract unwanted attention.

4.      Try not to use large bills in restaurants, bars or markets because this could make you a target for pickpockets.

5.      Ignore the money changers that frequent border crossings. They are often con artists who will cheat you with low exchange rates or counterfeit Uganda currency notes.

A little travel insurance is always a good idea. It covers emergency medical care, plus some policies will cover your belongings, including your camera and documents.

12. What’s the Sign and Code for Ugandan Shillings?

The shilling is the official currency in Uganda. Here is the sign and the code for the shilling.

·         Sign: USh

·         Code: UGX 

Mbarara district Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) Emmy Kateera Turyabagyenyi has confirmed that RDC’s office along Police and Army are starting an operation to end Sex Business in Mbarara municipality recently granted City Status,and western Uganda at large.
According to October – December 2019 Investigations conducted by Aaron Ainomugisha https://twitter.com/AaronAinomugis3  ,besides sex workers who parade themselves on high street at night, others reside,and operate in areas of Katete,Kijungu,Nyamitanga,and other slums around the municipality, yet to become a city. Short – Shs2000-7000, Long – 10,000 – 30,000, spending a night plus – over 50,000.
Majority can’t allow you without a condom.

Aunties train young girls before bringing them to high street.
Some originate from Rwanda,Tanzania, and other Countries.

Aaron Ainomugisha aaronainomugisha7@gmail.com  is a Journalist – Investigative & Development, and News Anchor with 91.2 Crooze fm www.croozefm.com , But Also, the Founder/ED of Rise Against Poverty Organization (RAP Uganda) ‘Be Confident.’ https://www.facebook.com/RapUganda0/  

Whatsapp  +256 754253916    

Published December 6, 2019

Governments of Uganda and China are working out a comprehensive climate change resilience strategy to avert the devastating effects of climate change.

Disaster, Relief and Refugees Minister Hillary Onek notes that government has moved to collaborate with international community to devise broad strategies to towards climate management.

 This was revealed while meeting a delegation from China led by the Deputy Director General of China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchange in Kampala. Meanwhile #SaveMurchisonFalls

Modern Journalism;
The environment has already changed.
What makes your content desirable is no longer the 5 Ws + 1 H, the public should know and get fully informed beyond what they have already seen on social media.
So as journalists we have to add the ‘So What.’?
If military invaded Makerere University hostels, So What? Answering this makes your story more special,giving you engagement.
Also, we are in an internet revolution,how do you deal with this revolution.
More so, understand digital and personal safety.
Then most importantly,how is your financial status, how do you juggle your career with this changing world!
By Aaron Ainomugisha,Journalist and news anchor with 91.2 http://www.croozefm.com , also, ED/founder Rise Against Poverty Organization,RAP Uganda, ‘Be Confident.’ Mbarara Western Uganda.

Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) authorities,and others have warned hospitals to stop selling Blood to Patients. If you experience this,report to the nearest authority for action.

This strong warning was sounded today,Thursday October 3, 2019 by Dr Andrew Byamungu,the southwestern Blood Bank in Mbarara city as they received a Blood Storage Refrigerator from MTN Foundation,the event held at Mbarara Blood Bank headquarters Rwebikoona-Kamukuzi Mbarara city.

MTN foundation under MTN Uganda has donated 3 storage refrigerators,to Mbarara (western Uganda),Mbale (eastern) and Arua (northern) blood banks,each getting one,plus a blood component extractor to Nakasero blood bank,the entire donation amounting to Shs347 million.

According to Mr. Brian Mbasa,the Acting Senior Manager of the MTN Foundation,the sole responsibility of this foundation is giving back to the public every year.

Brian said that this donation is not the end,as it isn’t the first;MTN Foundation and MTN Uganda as a whole is committed to supporting Ugandan Government in its endeavors,besides perfectly serving its Clients.

Mbarara Blood Bank serves 62 health facilities in 16 districts of Southwestern Uganda and it had one Blood storage Refrigerator before MTN donated this,bringing the number to two.

The old one can store around 800 units of blood while the MTN-donated one’s storage capacity is around 1000 units,and tackling the three in Mbale,Arua and Mbarara,up to 6000 lives are to be saved.

On a daily basis,Mbarara bank targets 50 units though the target is not hit regularly.

As the chief guest,Mbarara Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Rosette Kajungu Mutambi expressed concern,committing her efforts behind the fight to end the vice of corrupt workers who sell blood to patients.

Meanwhile,Uganda Blood Transfusion Services head of Logistics,Gilber Sunday revealed that government recently increased UBTS budget from Shs29.8 billion from 7.98,but still they can’t circumvent some hindrances because the increase favored collection not storage facility.

All people between 17- 65 years,weighing above 45 kg should donate blood to save many lives. ‘Safe Blood Saves Life’.

Western Uganda – Police in Mbarara district has arrested two herdsmen by names of Tumusiime  Bosco ,Turinawe Adolf to help in investigations since they have confessed to selling a cow belonging to theirboss, at the cost of One million shillings(1,000,000).

 On the 27/09/2019 Mrs Miriama Kushaba, 58,a farmer resident Rwenshanku cell Bubaare sub county Kashari North Mbarara district,reported a case of stealing of cattle on 27/09/2019 at around 6 pm that one of her cows worth 3,500,000shillings was found missing after her routine counting of the cows as they enter the kraal in the evening and the  herdsmen could not explain where it was,

Implicating a cattle trader and family friend to the complainants by names of Kyabishokye Robert aged 57 resident of Kafunjo cell Katojo parish Bubaare s/county, two allege that Kyabishokye Robert promised to pay them one million shillings on the 05/10/2019 if they got him a cow from their farm.

Rwizi region police spox Samson Kasasira has confirmed this story, adding that Kyabishokye Robert also in Police custody at Central Police Station Mbarara,and he denies these allegations even though the two herdsmen are confessing to having stolen the cow for him.  VIDE CRR 31/2019 BUBAARE POLICE POST MBARARA DISTRICT.

Western Uganda – Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) medical interns who are members of the Federation of Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI) have today morning stormed the office of Mbarara Resident District Commissioner (RDC) joining others around Uganda to protest poor conditions in the hospital,and continued implementation of 5:1 rotation policy.

 Court issued an order that the Ministry of Health should not implement use of 5:1 rotation policy instead maintain 3:3,but it has continued to use 5:1.

3:3 means that medical interns spend about 3 days practically studying in a ward for example in a maternity before going to another,and 5:1 policy means that they are spending one day in each ward.

They have also listed other conditions in their petition to Parlaiment,including asking government to increase their pay to Shs Three million (U4) from the current Shs780,000.

According to the deputy RDC Mbarara Emmy Katera Turyabagyenyi,in a meeting with them,they have resolved that interns be patient as he inquires from the Health Ministry permanent secretary and the minister why the 5:1 is under implementation,contrary to what court ordered.

He says such 5:1 policy will lead to poor quality medical workers in the country and the ministry should respect rule of law.

A wealthy white man walked into a bar in Miami. As soon as he entered, he noticed an African woman (black), sitting in one corner.
He walked over to the counter, removed his wallet and shouted, “Bartender! I am buying drinks for everyone in this bar, except that black woman over there!”
The bartender collected the money and began serving free drinks to everyone in the bar, except the African woman. Instead of becoming upset, the black woman simply looked up at the guy and shouted, “Thank you!”
This infuriated the wealthy guy. So once again, he took out his wallet and shouted, “Waiter! This time I am buying bottles of wine and additional food for everyone in this bar, except for that African sitting in the corner over there!” The bartender collected the money from the man and began serving free food and wine to everyone in the bar except the African. When the waiter finished serving the food and drinks, the African woman simply smiled at the man and said, Thank you!” That made him furious. So he leaned over the counter and asked the bartender, “What is wrong with that black woman? I have bought food and drinks for everyone in this bar except for her, and instead of becoming angry, she just sits there, smiles at me and shouts ‘Thank you.’ Is she mad?” The bartender smiled at the wealthy man and said, “No, she is not mad. She is the OWNER of this establishment.”

May our enemies work unknowingly in our favor. From Tammy McNeil-Paul , By  Aaron Ainomugisha  (ED Rise Against Poverty,RAP Uganda Organization ).

Western Uganda – Mbarara municipality residents have resorted to dumping garbage in roads at night,following introduction of a system where Home Clean,a company from Kampala,is collecting garbage from peoples’ homes,at a fee depending on the amount of garbage.
Authorities in six divisions; Kamukuzi,Kakoba,Biharwe,Nyakayojo,Nyamitanga and Kakiika have sanctioned operations, whoever caught dumping garbage is fined Shs150,000 or spend 1 month in jail.
Mbarara municipalit,the second largest to Kampala capital,has a land area of 449.09 sq kms, with population of over 222,541 people.How municipalities have been granted city status,waiting for official declaration;Mbarara,Fort Portal (western Uganda),Gulu,Arua (northern Uganda) and Jinja (eastern Uganda) – effective July 1,2020.

Hoima (western Uganda) & Mbale (eastern Uganda) – July 1,2021.

Lira (northern Uganda), and Entebbe (Central Uganda) – July 1,2022.

Others municipalities being assessed,authorities pushing to have city status are; Masaka (central Uganda) and Kabale (western Uganda).

The U.S government on September 13,2019 sanctioned former Uganda Police chief Gen.Kale Kayihura for his role in what it described as serious human rights abuses,and corruption.

He was sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act.

Kayihura quashed the allegations a day later, calling them baseless.

General Edward Kalekezi Kayihura Muhwezi,63, commonly known as Kale Kayihura, is a Ugandan lawyer, military officer, farmer and former policeman.

 He was the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Uganda Police Force,from 2005 until 5 March 2018,when he was sacked along security minister General Tumukunde,by President Museveni.

As the country waits for government’s response (from security ministers, internal affairs ministry, and attorney general), President Museveni has on Sunday morning,September 22,2019,responded,in a post on his facebook account.

Fellow Ugandans and, especially, the Bazzukulu.

It says, in the Church of Uganda Prayer Book, on page 5, as follows: “They left undone what they ought to have done and they did that they ought not to have done and there is no truth in them”. In Runyakore, it says: “Bakareka ebibashemereire kukora, bakora ebibatashemereire kukora, n’amazima tigari muribo”. It is most interesting to see how some of the elements of the Opposition are jubilating about some authorities in the USA who have recently declared that General Kale and some members of his family will not be allowed to enter the USA in case they want to travel there.

Before I comment on the action of the USA Govt in the matter of Kale, I should, first of all, say that, that excitement among some elements of the Opposition shows the poor quality of their spectacles when it comes to issues of Africa and Uganda. Why do they think that going to the USA or, indeed, any non-African country is so important that if you are not allowed there, it will amount to a painful punishment? I know of no Country that is more beautiful than Uganda on Earth Planet. It is actually a sacrifice for me to visit any non-African country on account of bad weather, strange foods etc.

I, however, visit those foreign countries as my duty prescribes to create friendships for Uganda, especially for business, security co-operation etc. Even with the issue of business and security co-operation, our primary area of interest is Africa.

The other parts of the World are additional. Africa needs those parts of the World and they need Africa. Otherwise, at a personal level, I go to foreign, non-African destinations for friendship, not for my primary obligation to family or Country.

Why do I say this? The first time I visited the USA in October 1987, on the invitation of President Reagan, I was 43 years old and my personal journey had already reached the climax as President of Uganda. In the previous 43 years, I had grown up in Africa, studied in Africa, fought in Africa, failed in Africa and succeeded in Africa. Where in Africa? In: Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia and Kenya.

On two occasions, I also passed through Rwanda and Burundi and visited Mobutu once in Gbadolite. Why did President Reagan invite me? He must have heard that this totally African- made product, known as General of the Resistance, Yoweri Museveni, is of some value. Indeed, we have helped one another with the Western Countries in economy, health (e.g. Aids and Ebola), security etc. In some of the situations, Uganda stood alone or nearly alone. Some examples: the Sudan under Hassan Tourabi when they backed ADF and LRA; Somalia when everybody, including the Americans, feared to go there; the Rwanda crisis; etc. etc. Actually, for most of the 43 years before I visited President Reagan, the Western Countries suspected us as “Marxists”, “Communists” etc. That, however, did not stop us from succeeding in Liberating our Country. Some of the Western and some of the Eastern Countries, not to mention the Arab countries, supported Idi Amin and those Govts. Actually, Idi Amin came to power with the support of the Western Countries. We opposed Idi Amin and their support for him and succeeded with the support of African Countries.

By 1950, China was number 45 in the hierarchy of development in terms of the size of GDP. In the 70 years since that time, China is now the second biggest economy in the World and they are continuing to grow. However, in those 70 years, China has fought with the Western Countries in Korea (1950- 53); they have been on opposite sides in the War in Vietnam (1954- 1975); China backed us in our anti- colonial wars in Africa, while many of the Western Countries were supporting our enemies (in Mozambique, Angola, South Africa, Namibia, Rhodesia, Guinea-Bissau, Mau Mau); etc etc.

Mao Tse Tung never visited any Western Country even once in all his life. I think he visited Moscow two times. Yet, the China he led is now one of the most successful stories of the modern World.

Therefore, to hear leaders of national Political Parties jubilating that a Ugandan is barred from entering the USA is very good news for the NRM because, as always, it will be very easy for us to show the Ugandans and Africans that “they have left undone what they ought to have done and have done what they ought not to have done and there is no truth in them”.

Regarding the Foreign Govts which are fond of using these types of approach, that is their choice. It is really none of our business. It is their country and they are right to run it the way they want.

However, for Kale or other Ugandans who are suspected to have made mistakes, they will always be handled in Uganda. That is why we shall never hand any Ugandan to, for instance, the Court in The Hague- the ICC. Kale is already facing whatever mistakes he is suspected to have committed in our Courts. What value addition is, then, there from external actors? In co-operation in, for instance, Defense matters, some of the Western Countries tried to tell us which soldiers should not be selected for courses in their countries and we rejected that position by stopping all training in those countries. We built the UPDF by our own means from scratch, based on the genuine sentiments of our People as you can see whenever there is a recruitment exercise. Outsiders can contribute in a manner acceptable to us. Otherwise, we are self- sufficient in capacity building as we have always been.

What would be disappointing is to hear that Kale had investments in the USA that his children go to see. That would be treason. Investments in the USA when Uganda needs investments? I do not have and will never have a single investment outside Uganda; possibly, for some sentimental reasons, I could consider investing in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda etc. – African countries. However, for non- African Countries: “No”, “Never”. Why? It is the African slave labour during 300 years of slavery, the African resources during the colonial times and the African resources during neo- colonial times that contributed greatly to the prosperity of those countries to the detriment of Africa (How Europe under- developed Africa- Walter Rodney).

It is therefore, inexcusable that at a time when Africa is still struggling to stand up, still with deficits in many areas, that the African elite would transfer money, again, to the West. Culturally, now, the populations in the Western Countries are something akin to relatives: we all speak English or French or whatever; many of us are Christians; we share books written by different Authors; etc etc.

When Africa is strong, she will come to the aid of Europe and the USA. However, that time is not now. On my part, the only time I opened a bank account outside Uganda, was in a Bank in Gothenburg, Sweden, where I deposited the US $ 120,000 that was donated to the NRM by the Late Max Rohrer of Roko. Elizabeth Bagaya also brought US $ 100,000 from Abiola. I do not remember whether I deposited it there also. This was in 1985.

Also Mzee Rusiita from London may have brought some contribution. Otherwise, it is sacrilege for Africans to continue to contribute to the welfare of others to Africa’s detriment.

I am sorry for this diversion. I have not responded to the messages of the Bazzukulu and other Ugandans that they sent in response to my earlier ones, and those wishing me well on my birthday. I will do so soon. Thank you all for wishing me good luck

Signed:

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.