The series, which entered circulation two weeks later on May 17, introduced a fresh structure and identity for Uganda’s money.
A key change was the addition of a Shs2,000 note, expanding the range of denominations for the first time and improving everyday transactions.
The redesign centred on the themes “Gifted by Nature” and “Uganda through the Times,” reflecting the country’s natural heritage and historical journey.
The notes featured imagery such as the Independence Monument and the Mountain Gorilla, presenting a visual narrative of Uganda’s identity.
Security was a major focus of the overhaul. Uganda became the first African country to adopt the SPARK optical security feature, a colour-shifting ink designed to make counterfeiting more difficult and align the currency with global standards.
The artistic direction of the project was led by a team of Ugandan creatives, including Elly Tumwine, whose involvement underscored a deliberate move to root the design in local expertise.
Although later updates in 2015 and 2019 introduced minor changes such as new signatures and enhanced security elements, the 2010 series remains the defining transformation of Uganda’s banknotes in recent decades, shaping the look and feel of the currency still in use today.