Following missteps, BoU institutes tough measures on accessing currency centres

Bank of Uganda has put in place tough restrictions on access to its counting rooms at its various currency centres.

In a circular dated September 2 from the acting director of currency, Dr Bazinzi Natamba, to all heads of the various currency centres, the central bank warns that with immediate effect no note examiner should access the machine room of another currency branch without authorisation.

"No staff other than note examiners should participate in the counting/machine room activities such as sorting, punching and strapping of stock," the circular reads.

According to the circular, staff have been barred from carrying tea, drinks, eats into the counting rooms.

In addition, Natamba tells the currency centre heads to ensure that daily CCTV recordings are viewed.

The measures come amidst reports that the old bank notes were stolen by bank staff at the Mbale currency centre last week.

The notes had reportedly been marked for destruction. It is not yet ascertained how this happened by police is said to be investigating the matter.

The central bank has been embroiled in a number of scandals over the last couple of years.

It was investigated by parliament over the controversial closure/sale of seven commercial banks while a number of its staff are being investigated over extra pallets on a cargo plane that landed at Entebbe airport in April.

Last week, the bank lost a case in which it had sued tycoon, Sudhir Ruparelia seeking to recover Shs 397 billion related to the closure of his bank, Crane Bank.