The flag of Uganda was adopted in 1962. The black color identifies Uganda as a black nation of Africa, the yellow represents the abundant sunshine Uganda enjoys being situated on the equator, and the red represents the brotherhood of Ugandans with the rest of Africa and the world. The crested crane, the national bird of Uganda, adorns the center of the flag and stands on one leg facing the flag pole. The raised leg symbolizes that Uganda is not stationary but moving forward.

The Crested Crane is the official bird of Uganda. The three colors of Uganda, black, yellow, and red, are contained in it's plumage. It is a friendly, gentle and peace loving bird, characteristics which are certainly true of the Ugandan people. It is a crime punishable by imprisonment to kill a Crested Crane.

Listen

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.

The official insignia (coat of arms) of Uganda reflects the identity, aspirations and economic activity of Uganda. The Crested Crane includes all the national colors (black, yellow, and red) plus it is friendly, gentle, and peace loving, characteristics true of the Ugandan people. To the left is a Kob which symbolizes the abundant wildlife found in Uganda. The spear and shield are traditional tools of defense in Africa. The sun represents the abundant sunshine found in Uganda as an equatorial nation. The drum is a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Ugandan people. The upper blue lines (top of shield) represent Uganda's abundant rainfall while the lower blue lines (under the shield) represent plentiful lakes and rivers. To the left see coffee growing and to the right cotton, both cash crops of Uganda with cotton being grown less today than in previous years. The motto For God and My Country reflects upon Uganda as a nation of people who fear God and love their country.

Country (long form)

Republic of Uganda

Capital

Kampala

Area

236,040 sq km

Population

20,158,176

Languages

English (official), Luganda, Swahili, Bantu languages, Nilotic languages

Religions

Roman Catholic , Protestant , Muslim , indigenous beliefs

Life Expectancy

39.98 male, 40.6 female (1996)

Infant mortality rate, 1997

99 (per 1,000 live births)

Average family income

320 US$

Government

republic

Currency

Ugandan shillings (USh)

Industry

sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement

Agriculture

coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), potatoes, corn, millet,pulses; beef, goat meat, milk, poultry

Minerals and Resources

copper, cobalt, limestone, salt