The exchange rate between the Kenyan Shilling (KES) and the Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is influenced by various economic factors and market dynamics. Exchange-rates.org has been a leading provider of currency quotes and precious metal prices for nearly 20 years. Our information is trusted by millions of users across the globe each month . We have been featured in some of the most prestigious financial publications in the world including Business Insider, Investopedia, Washington Post, and CoinDesk. We partner with leading data providers to bring you the latest and most accurate prices for all major currencies and precious metals.
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Obverse of the 1,000/= note
Currency Information
Understanding the specifics of each currency is essential for tracking exchange rate history.
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Our currency rankings show that the most popular Kenyan Shilling exchange rate is the KES to USD rate. The currency code for Kenyan Shillings is KES. The currency symbol is KSh.
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Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Our currency rankings show that the most popular Ugandan Shilling exchange rate is the UGX to USD rate. The currency code for Ugandan Shillings is UGX. The currency symbol is USh.
Historical KES to UGX Exchange Rate Data
Analyze rate trends for any currency over a few days, weeks, months, or years. Here's an overview of the KES to UGX exchange-rate statistics over the last 7, 30, and 90 days:
Uganda Shilling: East Africa's Top Currency Outperforming Kenya, Rwanda & Tanzania Against USD
| Statistic | Last 7 Days | Last 30 Days | Last 90 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 27.022 | 27.022 | 27.775 |
| Low | 26.833 | 26.504 | 26.504 |
| Average | 26.942 | 26.829 | 27.118 |
| Volatility | 0.27% | 0.26% | 0.26% |
This chart shows KES/UGX exchange rate history data for 2025. The KES/UGX rate was down -4.96% in 2025.
The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) in Detail
The shilling (Swahili: shilingi; abbreviation: USh; ISO code: UGX) is the currency of Uganda.
Denominations
Banknotes: 1,000/=, 2,000/=, 5,000/=, 10,000/=, 20,000/=, 50,000/=
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Coins: Freq.
Historical Context
The first Ugandan shilling (UGS) replaced the East African shilling in 1966 at par. The shilling is usually a stable currency and predominates in most financial transactions in Uganda, which has a very efficient foreign exchange market with low spreads. The United States dollar is also widely accepted.
Early Coinage (1966-1987)
In 1966, coins were introduced in denominations of -/5, -/10, -/20 and -/50 and 1/= and 2/=. The -/5, -/10 and -/20 coins were struck in bronze, with the higher denominations struck in cupro-nickel. The 2-shilling was only issued that year. In 1972, cupro-nickel 5-shilling coins were issued but were withdrawn from circulation and are now very rare. In 1976, copper-plated steel replaced bronze in the 5- and 10-cent and cupro-nickel-plated steel replaced cupro-nickel in the 50-cent and 1-shilling.
Later Coinage (1987-Present)
In 1987, copper-plated-steel 1/= and 2/= and stainless-steel 5/= and 10/= coins were introduced, with the 5/= and 10/= curved-equilateral heptagonal in shape. In 1998, coins for 50/=, 100/=, 200/= and 500/= were introduced.
Banknotes Through the Years
In 1966, the Bank of Uganda introduced notes in denominations of 5/=, 10/=, 20/= and 100/=. In 1987, notes were introduced in the new currency in denominations of 5/=, 10/=, 20/=, 50/=, 100/= and 200/=. In 1991, 500/= and 1,000/= notes were added, followed by 5,000/= in 1993, 10,000/= in 1995, 20,000/= in 1999, 50,000/= in 2003 and 2,000/= in 2010.
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Banknotes currently in circulation are 1,000/=, 2,000/=, 5,000/=, 10,000/=, 20,000/= and 50,000/=.
2010 Banknote Redesign
On 17 May 2010, the Bank of Uganda issued a new family of notes featuring a harmonised banknote design that depict Uganda's rich historical, natural, and cultural heritage. They also bear improved security features. Five images appear on all the six denominations: Ugandan mat patterns, Ugandan basketry, the map of Uganda (complete with the equator line), the Independence Monument, and a profile of a man wearing Karimojong headdress.
Bank of Uganda Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile said the new notes did not constitute a currency reform, nor were they dictated by politics. The redesign, he said, was driven by the need to comply with international practices and to beat counterfeiters. Uganda is the first African country to introduce the advanced security feature SPARK[5] on a regular banknote series.
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