Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye, a Rwandan banker and financial management professional, is serving as the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda.
The National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) has cautioned the public against using Rwandan Franc banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, warning that the practice damages currency and undermines the national cash system.
In a public notice, the central bank said it has continued to observe banknotes and coins being used in floral arrangements, bouquets, and similar decorative creations.
The bank noted that this trend involves florists, traders, event decorators, designers, gifting stylists, and their clients.
According to NBR, banknotes are often folded, glued, taped, pinned, clipped, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials as part of gifts for social events and ceremonies.
The bank said such handling compromises the integrity of Rwandan Franc banknotes, making them unsuitable for use in cash-handling and processing equipment, including cash counting machines and automated teller machines.
“These are critical components of the national cash distribution system,” the bank said, adding that the resulting damage leads to the premature withdrawal and replacement of banknotes and causes avoidable costs.
The central bank reminded the public that 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.”
NBR said it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the national currency in circulation.
The bank added that it will continue public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement efforts to protect the quality, usability, and public confidence in Rwandan Franc banknotes.
Rwanda now joins Kenya in warning against decorative use of banknotes.
On February 2, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) issued a public notice cautioning citizens against using Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative or celebratory purposes.
The alert came amid growing cases of cash being used in flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements.
According to the CBK, many banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, or pinned during such practices.
The Bank stated that these actions compromise the integrity of the currency and render it unfit for circulation.
“The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines, cash counting machines, and sorting equipment,” the notice stated.
CBK warned that this leads to increased rejection of banknotes during processing and forces premature withdrawal and replacement at unnecessary cost to the public and the Bank.
While acknowledging that cash gifts are acceptable, the Bank emphasised that currency should not be altered, damaged, or defaced in any way.