10 Ugandan Shillings Banknote (River Boat Fishermen)

10 Shillings / Shili Ugandan Shilling (Issued 1987)

The 1987 ten shilling note was issued during one of the most consequential periods in Ugandan monetary history, marking the currency reform programme introduced by the government of Yoweri Museveni following the National Resistance Movement’s assumption of power. The reform replaced the heavily devalued second shilling with a new shilling at a rate of one hundred to one, effectively resetting the nation’s monetary system and signalling a break from the economic instability of preceding decades. This note, bearing the 1987 date, represents the opening phase of that stabilisation effort and stands as a direct documentary record of Uganda’s determined attempt to rebuild financial confidence. It circulated alongside the earliest issues of the reformed Bank of Uganda series, making it one of the foundational denominations of the modern Ugandan monetary era.

On the front, the note is dominated by a fresh, predominantly green colour scheme with lighter yellow-green tones woven throughout the background in an intricate geometric pattern of interlocking diagonal bands and cross-hatched guilloché work that fills the entire field. Centrally placed is a stylised outline map of Uganda rendered in a deeper olive-green tone, acting as the primary focal point of the design. To the left, the full Ugandan coat of arms is reproduced in fine engraved detail, depicting the crested crane and kob flanking a shield, with the national motto reading “FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY” on a ribbon below. To the right, a second, smaller version of the coat of arms appears, this one showing the scales of justice, again engraved in careful detail within a circular vignette. The issuing authority name “BANK OF UGANDA” is printed in bold serif capitals across the top of the note, while the denomination is stated twice in prominent text: “TEN SHILLINGS” in English and “SHILINGI KUMI” in Swahili, centred beneath the map. Below these denomination lines, the text “LEGAL TENDER FOR TEN SHILLINGS” and “FOR BANK OF UGANDA” appear in smaller capitals. The numeral “10” appears in each of the four corners of the note, rendered in a large, bold typeface. The serial number “AK417047” is printed twice — once in the upper right area and once in the lower left — in black ink. Two manuscript signatures appear along the lower portion of the note, accompanied by the printed titles “GOVERNOR” and “SECRETARY, TREASURY” respectively. The year “1987” is printed to the lower right of centre. No portrait of a named individual appears on this note; the design relies entirely on national symbols rather than a personal likeness.

The reverse of the note continues the green and yellow-green palette established on the front, with the same bold geometric diagonal cross-hatching and guilloché border patterns framing all four edges. Centrally, a large engraved pastoral and agricultural scene occupies most of the available space, depicting Ugandan rural life in considerable detail. In the foreground to the left, two long-horned cattle — characteristic of the Ankole breed — are shown grazing, their forms rendered in fine intaglio line work. Behind them, a banana plantation is visible with large plantain leaves extending into the mid-ground. To the right of the cattle scene, a body of water is depicted with what appears to be a fishing boat carrying a figure, suggesting lakeside activity consistent with Uganda’s Great Lakes region. Further into the background, additional vegetation and landscape elements create a sense of depth and agricultural abundance. The denomination numerals “10” appear in the upper left and upper right corners of the reverse, and a further “10” is positioned to the right side within the decorative border. The text “BANK OF UGANDA” runs across the top in the same bold serif capitals used on the front. Along the lower section of the reverse, the denomination text “TEN SHILLINGS” and “SHILINGI KUMI” are again printed in large, prominent lettering, consistent with the bilingual approach applied throughout the series.

Got a 1987 Ugandan ten shilling banknote sitting unused? Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange it for cash alongside your other Ugandan Shillings banknotes and any leftover foreign currency, in one convenient online step.

• Indicate the quantity of 10 Shillings / Shili Ugandan Shilling banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

From leftover holiday money to inherited collections, Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange or buy your Ugandan Shillings banknotes and other foreign currency, handling old and withdrawn pieces in the same simple process.

Other Ugandan Shillings you can exchange: 5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000.