Ezrah Kashumbusha.
KAMPALA, February 21, 2024 | A Ugandan citizen has taken the Bank of Uganda to court over concerns regarding the legality of banknotes signed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego. Brian Kasaija, the petitioner, filed a case at the High Court in Mukono seeking to declare all Ugandan currency notes and coins in circulation as unlawful, irrational, and null.
Kasaija’s petition revolves around the signature on the banknotes, arguing that they bear the signature of an unauthorized person. He points out that while former Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile passed away in January 2022, Dr. Atingi-Ego assumed the role of Deputy Governor in March 2020 and began signing currency notes thereafter.
According to court records, Kasaija notified the Bank of Uganda about his concerns in December 2023, highlighting the discrepancy between the signatory on the banknotes and the legal requirements. However, his concerns were allegedly ignored, prompting him to seek judicial intervention.
In his petition, Kasaija calls for the invalidation of all currency banknotes signed by Dr. Atingi-Ego, arguing that they lack legal tender status due to the unauthorized signature. He cites legal provisions and asserts that there is no basis for extending the validity of a Governor’s signature after their death, nor does the Deputy Governor have the authority to sign in such circumstances.
Kasaija emphasized that as a citizen with a vested interest in the affairs of the Bank of Uganda, he is compelled to address the issue of currency legality. He argues that the Deputy Governor’s signature does not validate the banknotes’ legal status, given the absence of statutory, constitutional, or contractual basis for such action.
It remains to be seen how the court will address Kasaija’s concerns and the potential implications for Uganda’s monetary system.
