20000 Ugandan Shillings Banknote (Crested Crane)

20,000 Shillings / S Ugandan Shilling (Issued 2004-2009)

Embedded within this high-denomination Ugandan banknote is a vertical security thread running along the right-hand side of the note, visible as a dark metallic strip integrated into the paper substrate. The note also incorporates a watermark zone, visible when held to light, positioned in the lighter area to the right of the central design. At the time of issue, these features represented the Bank of Uganda’s commitment to protecting its highest circulating denominations against sophisticated counterfeiting. The serial number BT501414 is printed in red to the upper right, adding a further layer of traceability and authenticity.

On the front, the dominant central image is a Grey Crowned Crane — Uganda’s national bird — rendered in fine intaglio engraving to the left of centre, depicted standing tall amongst reeds with its characteristic golden plume, white and red facial markings, and dark grey body rendered with considerable detail. The bird is set against a pale green and teal background composed of intricate guilloché patterning, with floral rosette designs visible in soft pink and sage green tones behind the central text area. To the right of the crane stands the circular emblem of Uganda, depicting the national coat of arms, executed in dark ink with visible detail. The denomination “20000” appears prominently in the upper left and upper right corners, with the issuing authority “BANK OF UGANDA” printed in bold serif capitals along the top edge. The legal tender text reads “TWENTY THOUSAND SHILLINGS / SHILINGI ELFU ISHIRINI” in centred lettering, followed by the legal tender declaration “LEGAL TENDER FOR TWENTY THOUSAND SHILLINGS FOR BANK OF UGANDA.” Two facsimile signatures appear beneath, labelled “GOVERNOR” and “SECRETARY” respectively, with the year 2005 printed below. The serial number BT501414 appears again vertically along the left margin in black. A dark decorative border panel runs along the right edge, featuring repeating denomination numerals “20000” stacked vertically, and a geometric floral motif in blue and white. A similar ornamental band runs along the bottom edge.

The reverse of the note presents a detailed engraved view of the Bank of Uganda headquarters building in Kampala, depicted in monochrome grey-green tones with careful attention to the modernist architectural forms of the structure. The building is shown in a frontal elevation, featuring a central tower element with flanking lower wings, decorative relief panels visible on the façade, and a formal entrance with steps. The surrounding grounds include structured low-rise annexe buildings to either side. The denomination “20000” appears in the upper left and upper right corners, with “BANK OF UGANDA” printed centrally along the top. To the upper right, the denomination is written out in full: “TWENTY THOUSAND SHILLINGS / SHILINGI ELFU ISHIRINI.” A pale blue geometric snowflake or rosette watermark device is visible to the lower left of the reverse. Repeating micro-text numerals form a background pattern across the entire field, adding a further layer of security. The note’s overall palette on the reverse is a cool blue-grey with the architectural engraving rendered in deeper slate tones.

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• Indicate the quantity of 20,000 Shillings / S Ugandan Shilling banknotes you want to exchange
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Other Ugandan Shillings you can exchange: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000.