03/06/2020: COVID-19 Impact on the Shilling
The Ugandan Shilling experienced a significant decline in value due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
01/09/2013: Withdrawal of Old Currency Series
The old series of Ugandan Shilling notes were phased out and replaced with the new currency series.
01/07/2010: Issue of New Currency Series
Uganda issued a new series of currency notes with enhanced security features to reduce counterfeiting.
10/09/2008: Introduction of Birr Denominations
Ethiopia introduced new banknotes of different denominations in an effort to combat counterfeiting and improve security features.
02/05/2003: Introduction of Coins
Uganda introduced coins denominated in Shillings to replace lower-value notes and facilitate transactions.
27/05/1991: Introduction of Birr Coins
Ethiopia introduced coins for the birr denominations, replacing the previous notes.
15/05/1987: Introduction of the 500 Shilling Note
A new 500 Shilling note was introduced to combat the rapid inflation and devaluation of the currency.
17/09/1976: Introduction of New Birr
A new birr was introduced, replacing the previous Ethiopian birr and being equal to 100 old birr.
05/08/1972: Idi Amin's Currency Change
President Idi Amin ordered the demonetization of old Ugandan Shilling notes and replaced them with new ones, causing an economic crisis.
15/06/1966: Introduction of the Ugandan Shilling
The Ugandan Shilling was introduced as the official currency of Uganda following its independence from British colonial rule.
08/07/1945: Decree to Change Birr Decimalization
Ethiopia changed the birr decimalization from talari and ghersh to dollars and cents.
31/12/1931: Introduction of Ethiopian birr
The Ethiopian birr was introduced as the official currency, replacing the Maria Theresa Thaler.
05/07/1931: Ethiopian Monetary Authority Established
The Ethiopian Monetary Authority was established to regulate the country's monetary system and issue currency.
14/02/1894: Introduction of Maria Theresa Thaler
Ethiopia adopted the Maria Theresa Thaler as the official currency, which remained in circulation until 1935.