UGXUgandan ShillingUgandan Shilling (UGX)
The Ugandan shilling is Uganda's national currency and an East African unit used across agriculture, services, mobile payments and regional trade.
- ISO code
- UGX
- Symbol
- USh
- Region
- Africa
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- The Bank of Uganda issues the national currency and conducts monetary and foreign-exchange policy under Uganda's central-bank framework.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
UGX at a glance
Currency profile
How UGX works
The Ugandan shilling is Uganda's national currency and an East African unit used across agriculture, services, mobile payments and regional trade.
The Bank of Uganda issues the national currency and conducts monetary and foreign-exchange policy under Uganda's central-bank framework.
- UGX amounts are normally expressed in whole shillings even though a historical cent subdivision exists.
- The current shilling scale dates from a 1987 reform that replaced 100 old shillings with one new shilling.
Context
Why this currency matters
UGX links Uganda's domestic payment system with agricultural exports, regional transport and expanding digital finance. The 1987 currency reform is essential for historical data because older shilling amounts use a different scale from the currency shown in current conversion tools.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
The Bank of Uganda issues the national currency and conducts monetary and foreign-exchange policy under Uganda's central-bank framework.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for UGX
Bank of Uganda established
Uganda created its central bank and introduced a national shilling after the shared East African system.
Bank of Uganda - currency historyNew shilling introduced
A currency reform replaced 100 old Ugandan shillings with one new shilling.
Bank of Uganda - currency historyNew banknote family launched
The Bank of Uganda introduced a redesigned series with common themes and updated security.
Bank of Uganda - currency history
Usage and economy
How UGX is used
- Prices, salaries, mobile-money balances and settlement in Uganda.
- Regional comparisons involving KES, TZS and RWF.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
UGX currency units
The Bank of Uganda publishes current banknote denominations and currency history.
The Bank of Uganda documents Ugandan shilling coins in circulation.
One Ugandan Shilling unit is recorded with 0 decimal places.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
UGX questions
Why is 1987 important for UGX?
Uganda reformed the currency in 1987, converting 100 old shillings into one unit on the current scale.
How is UGX different from KES?
UGX is issued by the Bank of Uganda, while KES is Kenya's separate shilling with its own value and monetary system.
Why is UGX relevant to East African trade?
Uganda participates in regional agricultural, transport and service trade across the Great Lakes and East African Community.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.