As Valentine’s Day approaches, Rwanda’s central bank has issued a warning against the misuse of currency banknotes in decorative gifts, following a similar caution from the Bank of Uganda.
In a notice released in Kigali on February 5, 2026, the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) expressed concern over the growing habit of using Rwandan Franc notes in floral arrangements, bouquets, and other celebratory creations.
“The National Bank of Rwanda continues to observe the use of banknotes and coins in floral arrangements, bouquets, and similar decorative creations,” the bank said.
The notice explains that florists, traders, event decorators, designers, gifting stylists, and their clients often fold, glue, tape, pin, or clip banknotes into gifts for social events and ceremonies. Such practices, the bank warned, damage the currency and reduce its usability in the financial system.
“These practices compromise the integrity of Rwandan Franc banknotes, rendering them unsuitable for use in cash-handling and processing equipment, including cash counting machines and ATMs,” the notice read.
The bank added that damaged notes are withdrawn from circulation earlier than expected, resulting in avoidable replacement costs. “This damage results in the premature withdrawal and replacement of banknotes, leading to unnecessary costs,” it said.
The warning comes after the Bank of Uganda similarly raised concern over Valentine money bouquets, where banknotes are glued, taped, pinned, or otherwise attached to gifts.
In Rwanda, the central bank reminded the public that defacing or mutilating currency is a punishable offence under national law. “Anyone who willfully defaces, mutilates, or otherwise impairs the Rwandan currency note commits an offence punishable by Law N° 68/2018 of 30/08/2018,” the bank stated.
The National Bank of Rwanda emphasised its commitment to protecting the integrity of the national currency and maintaining public trust in banknotes in circulation.
“The National Bank of Rwanda remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the national currency in circulation,” it added.
