Ugandan government takes action after Ivan was buried with money

June 5, 2017 10:38 AM

A few days ago, someone petitioned for the removal of Ivan Ssemwanga’s body from his grave…

Ivan was buried in money

When Ivan Ssemwanga was finally laid to rest, his Rich Gang Crew ensured that he went out in style by pouring money and champagne into his grave.

An act that fascinated people on social media.

Also Read: Mourners throw money in Ivan Ssemwanga's grave (Photos)

But there are those who feel that burying him with the currency was disrespectful and one of them is Abey Magugu who petitioned that the money he was buried with gets removed and put back into circulation.

This will be done through a court order where Ivan’s body will be exhumed and the currency recovered for the purpose of respecting the currency of Uganda and other countries.

Also check out: Ivan Ssemwanga’s body to be exhumed

Following this petition the government’s Bank Of Uganda has been forced to take action and now want to criminalise any practices such as defacing, soiling, mutilation or other forms of disrespect to the national currency.

The also released this statement on Ivan getting buried with cash:

It has come to our notice that Uganda shilling notes were thrown into a grave during a recent burial ceremony. The money, which was so mishandled, is likely to be defaced, soiled or damaged, and thereby no longer serve the purpose for which it was intended.

The national currency is minted and printed by the Central Bank to serve as; store of value, which means people can save it and use it later-smoothing their purchases over time; unit of account, that is, provide a common base for prices; or medium of exchange; something that people can use to buy and sell from one another. The shilling is valuable because Ugandans collectively ascribe value to it and entrust the preservation of its integrity to the Bank of Uganda. Because of its grand purpose and value, it holds for us, the shilling deserves the status of a national symbol. This implies that our national currency should not be handled in a manner that is indecorous.

Accordingly, the public is urged strongly to refrain from any act, conduct or use of shilling notes and coins for purposes other than those for which the national currency is intended; or in a manner that results in the defacing, soiling or damaging of the Uganda shilling currency notes and coins. Indeed, proposed amendments to the Bank of Uganda Act include a clause that will criminalise any practices such as defacing, soiling, mutilation or other forms of disrespect to the national currency. The public will be informed of the amendment once it is concluded.