Uganda’s flag consists of six equal horizontal stripes—black, yellow, red repeated—charged with a white disc bearing a grey crowned crane facing the hoist. Adopted on 9 October 1962 at independence, the colours were proposed by the Uganda People’s Congress: black for the people; yellow for sunlight; red for fraternity. The crowned crane, a long‑standing military emblem, lifts one leg to signify forward movement. Law defines proportions, crane drawing, and protocol across state, military, and diplomatic use.
Uganda’s flag pairs a rhythmic tricolour sequence with a poised heraldic bird to express people, promise, and progress.
Adoption
In the run‑up to independence in 1962, competing proposals reflected the country’s party landscape. The final scheme—six equal horizontal bands in the order black‑yellow‑red‑black‑yellow‑red with a centred white disc bearing a grey crowned crane—was associated with the Uganda People’s Congress and promulgated for the midnight of 9 October 1962.
Symbolism
Black represents the people of Uganda; yellow, the equatorial sunlight; red, fraternity and the bond of common blood. The grey crowned crane, long used as a symbol by colonial and post‑colonial forces, stands on one leg with the other raised, signalling forward movement; it faces the hoist as per vexillological convention. The crane’s colours—grey body, red and black details, golden crown—are standardised in the official drawing.
Standards and protocol
Regulations prescribe a common 2:3 ratio, the diameter and placement of the disc, and the crane’s orientation and detailing. The flag is hoisted on ministries, schools, courts, and missions; half‑masted in mourning; illuminated at night when displayed; and retired respectfully when worn. Misuse or defacement is prohibited by law.
Continuity
and identity. The design has remained stable since 1962, its banding immediately recognisable among world flags and the crowned crane providing a singular heraldic centre. Variants exist for the President and defence forces, but the civil flag itself is unaltered.
Public life
National Day (9 October) ceremonies focus on the flag and anthem; civics curricula teach the colour meanings and crane symbolism; and procurement guidance ensures correct hues and crane geometry in manufacturing.
The Ugandan flag’s clarity—simple stripes and a dignified bird—has given it enduring force as a symbol of a young state’s aspirations and cohesion.