Uganda: Cash Valentine's Gifts Risk Prison in Uganda? No, Warning Fake

10 February 2023
Africa Check (Johannesburg)
By Grace Gichuhi

IN SHORT: Ugandans who give money to their beloveds on Valentine's Day won't land up in prison. The "public notice" isn't from the Bank of Uganda.

Seemingly targeted at Valentine's Day, a "public notice" that appears to have been issued by Uganda's central bank has been posted on social media.

The "notice" warns that any person who gifts money to their "beloved ones" will be charged and imprisoned.

It reads: "Bank of Uganda (BoU), in exercise of its powers under section 98 (1), of the financial institutions Act, 2004 (as amended) Wednesday 2 ND February 2023, the public is informed that any Uganda citizen caught mis-using Ugandan money inform of making gifts for their beloved ones will be charged and taken to prison."

Valentine's Day on 14 February is an annual and global celebration of romantic love. People often give presents and treats to their loved ones on the day. In some countries, people wrap the gifts in banknotes.

The notice has been posted here, here, here, here and here.

But has the Bank of Uganda really warned that cash gifts to loved ones is a misuse of the country's money, and risks a criminal charge?

'Fake please disregard'

The Bank of Uganda has posted the "public notice" on its official Twitter account - stamped "FAKE" in red.

"This is fake please disregard," the bank's tweet reads.

Read the original story, with links and other resources.
Africa Check is a non-partisan organisation which promotes accuracy in public debate and in the media. Twitter @AfricaCheck and www.africacheck.org

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