The Uganda flag is composed of six (6) horizontal stripes alternating black, yellow and red. Black symbolizes our African heritage and the fertile soils of Uganda; Yellow represents the glorious sunny days, so characteristic of Uganda; and Red is symbolic of the blood that runs through our veins and that links us to the rest of humankind.In the middle of the flag stands the majestic crested crane (Regulorum gibbericeps), Uganda’s national emblem (which symbolizes Uganda's forward movement).
The shield and spears symbolize our readiness to defend our motherland against all enemies. They are standing on a green mound to symbolise Uganda’s lush vegetation. Supporting the shields are the Uganda Kob (Adenota kob Thomasi) which is representative of Uganda’s abundance of wildlife; and the Crested Crane (Regulorum gibbericeps), Uganda’s national emblem.
Across the top of the shield are the waves, that are representative of Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest freshwater lake, as well as Uganda’s other great lakes and rivers. In the centre of the shield, the sun represents Uganda’s glorious sunny days. The traditional African drum at the bottom of the shield represents our culture, and is used both in dance, and communication.
Coffee and Cotton, Uganda’s main cash crops, are sprouting from the green mound alongside River Nile, the world’s longest river, which starts its 6650km journey from Uganda.
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 soils grown. For our own dear land, We’ll always stand, The Pearl of Africa’s Crown.