Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
The Ugandan shilling was introduced in 1966, replacing the East African shilling at par as Uganda set up its own independent monetary system shortly after independence, mirroring similar moves by Kenya and Tanzania.
UGX ⇄ USD Converter
History
Uganda used the East African shilling, issued by the colonial-era East African Currency Board, until the Bank of Uganda introduced the country's own shilling in 1966. The currency saw a major redenomination in 1987, when the government replaced it at a rate of 100 old shillings to 1 new shilling amid a period of high inflation and economic instability. Today's shilling has traded relatively freely for decades since.
Denominations
Ugandan shilling banknotes currently circulate in these denominations:
- 1,000, 2,000 shillings — common lower-value notes
- 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 shillings — higher-value notes
Coins are issued in 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 shillings; subunit cents have not been in practical circulation for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency symbol for the shilling?
It's commonly written as USh. Its ISO 4217 currency code is UGX.
Why doesn't Uganda use cent coins anymore?
Decades of inflation eroded the value of the cent subunit to the point where it's no longer practical for transactions, so all everyday pricing today uses whole shillings.
Is the Ugandan shilling the same as other East African shillings?
No — while Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania all descend from the historic East African shilling, each now issues its own separate, non-interchangeable currency.
Where can I see rates for other African currencies?
Check the full currency directory on the African Currencies homepage, which covers all 54 African countries.