Minimum Amount to Buy Treasury Bills in Uganda
Treasury bills (T-bills) are one of the most accessible investments in Uganda. Many people assume you need millions to get started, but the reality is that you can begin with as little as UGX 100,000. In this guide, we explain the minimum investment requirements for treasury bills and what they mean for you as an investor.
Treasury Bills Are Sold Through Auctions
Treasury bills are issued by the Government of Uganda through the Bank of Uganda. Every two weeks, the Bank holds an auction where investors can buy bills with maturities of 91 days, 182 days, or 364 days.
To participate, you must go through a commercial bank. There are two types of bids:
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Competitive Bids → Placed by Primary Dealer banks (Stanbic, Standard Chartered, ABSA, Centenary, Equity, etc.). These specify the yield they want.
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Non-Competitive Bids → For individuals and institutions. These are accepted in full at the cut-off price.
Minimum Amount for Treasury Bills in Uganda
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Non-Competitive Bids (for individuals):
Minimum = UGX 100,000, in multiples of 100,000.
Example: You can invest UGX 100,000, 200,000, 500,000, or more. -
Competitive Bids (for Primary Dealers):
Minimum = UGX 200,100,000.
For most Ugandan investors, the UGX 100,000 non-competitive bid is the realistic entry point.
Why the UGX 100,000 Minimum Matters
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Accessibility – Anyone can start small without needing millions.
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Flexibility – You can increase in multiples of UGX 100,000 depending on your budget.
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Beginner-Friendly – A low entry point makes treasury bills a great first step into government securities.
Example: Investing the Minimum
If you invest UGX 100,000 in a 364-day treasury bill at a 15% yield:
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Purchase Price ≈ UGX 87,000
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Face Value = UGX 100,000
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Profit = UGX 13,000 (before tax)
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After 20% tax = UGX 10,400 net profit
This may seem small, but it shows how affordable treasury bills are — and how you can scale up over time.
Treasury Bills vs Bonds Minimum Investment
| Instrument | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|
| Treasury Bills | UGX 100,000 (non-competitive) |
| Treasury Bonds | UGX 100,000 (via Level Africa and commercial banks) |
Both securities are accessible, but treasury bills are more popular with small savers because they mature quickly.
Final Thoughts
The minimum amount to buy treasury bills in Uganda is UGX 100,000, making them one of the most accessible investments in the country. Whether you want to test the waters or invest larger sums, treasury bills are a safe, government-backed option.
Stay updated with treasury bill auctions and results:
FAQs
1. What is the minimum amount to buy treasury bills in Uganda?
UGX 100,000 for non-competitive bids.
2. Can I invest less than UGX 100,000?
No. The minimum is UGX 100,000, in multiples of 100,000.
3. Do treasury bonds also have the same minimum?
Yes, UGX 100,000, but bonds are longer-term.
4. How often can I invest in treasury bills?
Every two weeks, during Bank of Uganda auctions.
5. Can I invest in treasury bills using Mobile Money?
Some banks allow funding via Mobile Money. Always check with your bank first.