Uganda is a state in East Africa, a former colony of Great Britain. Its current state symbols were adopted when the country freed itself from English influence. What does the modern flag of Uganda mean? Which bird is depicted on it? Let's find out.
Uganda flag
State symbols of the country were adopted in 1962. The flag was designed by Minister of Justice Grace Ibingira. The flag of Uganda consists of six equal horizontal stripes. The first strip is painted black, the second yellow, the third red. The remaining three stripes have the same colors and are arranged in the same order.
In the center of the flag is a round white emblem that depicts a bird - a symbol of the country. This is a crane made in black and gray shades. Its tail is red, and on its head a crown of feathers of red and white. The bird is turned to the pole, and its left leg is raised.
In general, the national flag of Uganda expresses the idea of uniting the country and faith in its successful development. The black bar symbolizes the African black population of the country, red - the color of the blood of all people and indicates the unity of all the inhabitants of Uganda. Yellow is no longer related to people, but to Africa itself. It symbolizes the scorching sun.
Crowned Crane
The bird on the flag of Uganda is the eastern crowned crane. It lives in the eastern region of Africa and is the most numerous species of its family. This is a very large bird up to one meter high and weighing up to four kilograms.
He has a very unusual appearance. The crane's neck is bluish in color, and its body is dark blue. He has huge white wings bordered by blue and brown feathers. A crest of fluffy yellow hairs crowns the head of the bird. A red pouch hangs from the chin, like a turkey.
As a symbol of Uganda, he is chosen for his grace and beauty. In the form of a national emblem, he was present on the banner of the British colony and on the form of local military. On the modern flag, he is depicted walking, which indicates a desire for the development and movement of the state forward.
Historical flags
From the 18th to the 20th century, the kingdom of Buganda existed on the territory of the country. In Africa, it was quite developed and influential. The British who arrived here could not stay away. They decided to establish control over the kingdom, turning it into their next colony. They quickly agreed with the king, and at the same time converted him to the Christian faith. By the way, the British and gave the country the name Uganda, which is firmly attached to it.
The flag of Buganda was a canvas of three vertical stripes: blue, white, blue. In the center of the white strip was a traditional African shield with spears, under it was depicted a lying lion.
Later, the flag of Uganda became a blue canvas with a thumbnail of the flag of Britain, located at the pole. On the right was a round emblem with a crowned crane. The image was more realistic. The background was not white, but yellowish, imitating the African landscape. Behind the bird, a green bush was depicted. The flag lasted from 1914 to March 1962.
