Dollar to Uganda shilling exchange rate – where to check today's rate

Exchange rates change every day. Here's where to check the real rate and what's been happening to the shilling.

Where to check today's exchange rate

• Bank of Uganda publishes official daily rates at bou.or.ug (Financial Markets → Exchange Rates).
• Your bank – rates on bank apps and boards.
• Forex bureaus – compare a few; rates in Kampala's city centre are often better.

The rate you get always includes a margin: you buy dollars higher and sell lower than the official mid-rate.

What happened to the shilling in October 2026

• The shilling closed above UGX 4,000 per US dollar for the first time on 5 October 2026.
• On 23 October it briefly hit about 4,500, its weakest in 33 years, before recovering to about 4,400.
• Bank of Uganda sold dollars in the market and raised the Central Bank Rate to 12% to support the shilling.

Tips for getting a better rate

• Compare at least three forex bureaus.
• Avoid changing money at the airport.
• For money from abroad, compare remittance apps – see how to receive money from abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the shilling weakening?

Higher global energy prices, tighter global financial conditions and strong demand for dollars put pressure on the shilling in 2026.