Uganda is a landlocked country found in East Africa. The purely agricultural state is bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has beautiful physical features such as savanna plateaus, mountains, and lakes. The country adopted its flag (Uganda Flag) in the year 1962 when it became independent from the British. The flag marked the creation of the Uganda People’s Congress Party that came to power in April 1962 elections. It was designed by the then Uganda’s Minister of justice, Mr. Grace Ibingira.
The Ugandan Flag: Meaning And What It Stands For
Uganda flag was designed to depict the pure characters of the people of Uganda. Like in other countries, colours speak a lot about the people, their history, and environment. Each of the flag’s colours is significant in its own unique way. For instance, the black colour represents the Ugandan people. Like in other African countries, the colour black also symbolizes the people’s maturity and masculinity. The yellow and red represent sunlight and brotherhood respectively. The Yellow could also convey the message of happiness and good fortune while the red could speak of the people’s energy and passion.
Furthermore, the grey-crowned crane on the white disc at the centre of the flag has its unique meaning to the people of Uganda. This species of bird is scientifically known as Balearica regulorum gibbericeps. Its unusual gracefulness, beauty and breeding display involving dancing, bowing and jumping could be one of the traits that attracted the then governor who first approved for the bird to be inserted on the flags flown by the Governor of Uganda and all vessels belonging to the Government of the Protectorate.
See Also: Nairobi City, Kenya – Map, National Park, Weather, Interesting Facts
The Ugandan nation is proud of its gentle and peaceful citizenry. Despite being brutalized by the dictatorial regime of Milton Obote and Idi Amin when over 8 000,000 people were killed, Uganda was able to overcome her dark days and get back on track. Latest reports from various world organizations have indicated that the country is among the fastest growing economies in the world with an average of 7.8 percent since the year 2000.
Colors And Structure of The Flag
The Republic of Uganda’s flag consists of six trips of equal horizontal bands of black, yellow, red and a grey crown situated at the centre on a white disc.
Black
The black strip in the Ugandan flag represents the colour of the people. This identifies the country as a nation of black Africans.
Yellow
Uganda is one of the countries situated along the equator. Thus, the yellow strips symbolize the abundant bright sunshine found in the country.
Red
Red symbolizes the brotherhood enjoyed by the people of Uganda and the bond they share with countries in Africa and the world as a whole.
Grey Crowned Crane
A grey crane adorns the centre of the Uganda flag. It symbolizes the peaceful and gentle nature of the people of Uganda. It was first used as the military badge for the country’s army during the British rule. The crown stands on one leg with the other feet lifted as it faces the pole. The raised leg symbolizes that Uganda is not a stagnating nation but a state that is moving forward.
The similarity of Ugandan flag other countries flags
The Uganda flag has been argued to resemble the German flag since they share the three predominant colours of yellow, black and red with the crane in a white disc at the centre separating them. Angola and Belgium are two other countries whose national flag have yellow, black and red colours similar to Uganda. It is said that the Ugandan flag is unique since it is the only flag with a total of five colours in the whole world. The flag is made up of yellow, grey, white, red and black. This is one of the reasons why the flag is one of the most adored.
Despite positive strides made by the administration of President Yoweri Museveni, an insurgent known as Lord Resistance Army has continued to terrorize the northern part of the country, by abducting children and turning them into soldiers. The country is also struggling with the aids epidemic and high level of poverty and anger.
The Evolution of Ugandan Flag
Flag of the Uganda Protectorate (1914-March, 1962)
Standard of the Governor of Uganda (1914 – March 1962)
National Uganda flag (March – October 9, 1962)
Presidential Standard of Uganda
Awesome Designs and Variations of Ugandan Flag
Uganda National Anthem
The Lyrics of the Ugandan National Anthem
Ugandan National Anthem
Oh Uganda may God uphold thee,
We lay our future in thy hand,
United free for liberty
Together we’ll always stand.
Oh Uganda the land of freedom,
Our love and labour we give,
And with neighbours all,
At our country’s call
In peace and friendship we’ll live.
Oh Uganda! the land that feeds us,
By sun and fertile soil grown,
For our own dear land,
We shall always stand,
The pearl of Africa’s Crown
