Uganda

Uganda
Adopted	October 9, 1962
Designed by	Grace Ibingira
Proportions	2:3

The flag of Uganda consists of six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red; a white disc is superimposed at the centre and depicts the national symbol, a Grey Crowned Crane, facing the hoist side. The flag was designed by the Ugandan Minister of Justice, Mr. Grace Ibingira.

Symbolism

The three colours, derived from those of the Uganda People's Congress, are representative of African peoples (black), Africa's sunshine (yellow), and African brotherhood (red being the colour of blood, through which all Africans are connected). The Grey Crowned Crane is fabled for its gentle nature and was also the military badge of Ugandan soldiers during British rule.

History

Up until 1962, Uganda was a protectorate of the United Kingdom, so like most protectorates and colonies, Uganda's flag was a blue Ensign with the protectorate's badge consisting of the grey crowned crane in the African landscape.

After independence, the Democratic Party of Uganda proposed a flag in March 1962, which consisted of five stripes of green, yellow, and blue, with a yellow silhouette of a gray crowned crane in the center. The flag proposal was later turned down after the Democratic Party lost the elections.