News in Brief

Ugandan Florists Have Fun With Banknotes

Perhaps a minority story, but a real life example of the strange things people do with banknotes. In Uganda, there is a trend for florists to design bouquets using banknotes. There is a custom to present bouquets to children as they face their national exams. The central bank is not impressed and has warned that doing this compromises the integrity of the banknotes and has pointed out that this is illegal.

The problem is that the florists use glue, sellotape, pins and other adhesives and fasteners in their creations, damaging the integrity of the banknotes. Often this means they will no longer work in counting machines and ATMs. It can lead to their premature withdrawal from circulation.