Uganda has symbols that make it different from other countries. Uganda's symbols include the following:

• National flag,
  
• coat of Arms,
  
• National Anthem,
  
• National constitution,
  
• National Emblem,
  
• National Currency and
  
• National Motto.

The Uganda National Flag

Before Uganda got her independence, it was using the British flag as the national flag.

Immediately after getting independence when the Union Jack was lowered, the Uganda flag was raised. (hoisted)

The hoisting of the Uganda flag was done by Major Akorimo Kanuti on the 9th October 1962.

The National flag was designed by Grace Ibingira.

The National flag has three colours, black, yellow, red with a white oval background in the middle background bears a crested crane s a of these colours represent something as

Black represents the colour of Uganda inheritance /black people of Uganda.

Red represents brotherhood meaning red blood. Therefore, we should live in Yellow stands for abundant sun shine in Uganda.

The Crested Crane is at the centre of the national flag. This bird stands for Uganda's National Emblem with the three colours of the flag. This bird was chosen as a national emblem It is a gentle, humble and beautiful bird.

The Uganda flag is always raised early in the morning at public or National buildings, offices and schools, Parliament and district headquarters.

It is flown with the crested crane facing the flag pole. The flag is also flown on the presidential official car. There are occasions when the flag is flown at half mast. This means that it is a day of national mourning .

Activity
1 . How many flags are flown at your school?
2. Name the flags flown during a school day?
3. Why do you think the Uganda flag is flown at your school?
4. Identify other places where the flag is flown.

The National Anthem
The National Anthem is an official song sung during public official functions. It was first sung on 9th October 1962 after Uganda had attained political and economical independence.

The Anthem was composed by Professor George William Kakoma assisted by Peter G. Wingard. The Anthem has special messages in it for all the citizens of Uganda.

Occasions when the anthem is sung.

The national anthem is sung or played before and after official functions such as independence day celebration. The two stanzas are sung in the presence of president.

Three stanzas are played during the opening and closure of a day's transmission of the National television and radio.

When the head of state dies in office, all the three stanzas are also sung as a sign of mourning and honouring him. It was also declared when Uganda was celebrating 50th independence anniversary all the three stanzas be sang at all functions and gatherings.

The 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'll always stand
The Pearl of Africa's crown.

 

Activity
1 . Write down any three symbols of your school?
2. When do you sing the school anthem at school?
3. Why do you sing the national anthem at school?
4. What is the message in your school anthem?

Importance of the National Anthem

The National Anthem as a national symbol is important in the following ways.

Expresses love for one's country. The desire to live together in peace and harmony with everyone.

Symbolises our national principles, hopes and goals so that citizens work hard to achieve them.

 
The National Anthem promotes unity among the citizens. Togethernes of the people of Uganda. It expresses a God fearing country.

Uganda has strong belief in God. They put God first in everything they do.

It expresses peace and friendship with neighbours. Living together in peace with neighbouring countries.

The Coat of Arms
The National Coat of Arms is a national symbol of identity. It has different features on it representing important the values and pride in our country.

Features of the Uganda Coat of Arms.

This is the national emblem of Uganda. The crested Crane stands on one leg showing that Uganda is moving forward and has one government and Parliament.

The National Motto

The Uganda Coat of Arms has the national motto at the bottom "For God and my country". This shows that Ugandans put God first in all things they do and to serve their country faithfully.

The Drum
This is one of the traditional instruments widely used in many communities of Uganda and it symbolises the rich traditional. values and cultural heritage. It is also a means of traditional communication.

The Uganda Kob represents wild life in Uganda.
This is one of the animals found in many game parks and reserves and it is one of the sources that brings a lot of foreign income for the country.

Coffee and Cotton.
These are the major cash crops of Uganda and they represent Uganda as an agricultural country.

The Blue stripes of water entering the shield at the top.
These stand for the lakes and rivers of Uganda. Uganda is blessed with large water bodies which support our livelihood.

The blue lines entering the shield at the bottom.
These symbolise the source of river Nile. The Nile has water falls on which dams have been built to generate hydro electricity.

Shield and spears.
These represent protection and defence. They also represent traditional weapons used by Ugandans.

The black colour.
This represents the black skinned people of Uganda.

The green colour at the bottom.This shows the rich vegetation cover of Uganda.

The crested crane is a symbol of Uganda and it is one of the most beautiful birds. Its used on many government official documents such as currency (money) andit is also found on National flags, Parliamentary buildings and security flags.

Activity
1. Draw the coat of arms and indicate all features.
2. Explain the importance of the National coat of arms.
3. Apart from cotton and coffee, name any other three cash crops in Uganda.

Significance of the Coat of arms

(i) It is printed on official documents such as passports and the constitution. It is also found on public buildings like the Parliament, Court and government offices.

(ii) To qualify government documents and agreements, it is used as a seal.

(iii) It is also printed on our national currency. This helps to identify the currency from that of other countries.

Significance of the National emblem
Since it symbolises peace and beauty, the emblem reminds us about the values it stands for.

The Constitution

A Constitution is a supreme of the land. The laws that govern a country. The new constitution was promulgated on 8th October 1995.

A Constitution defines the rights and freedoms all citizens and unites all the people in the country.