Uganda's anthem was inspired by Christianity

Jan 11, 2012

Prior to Uganda getting independence, three sub-committees were set up to deal with Uganda’s national symbols. They were responsible for the National Flag, Anthem and Court of Arms. The sub-committee for the creation of a national anthem encouraged Ugandans to submit their proposals. It was a tough

By Vision Reporter

Prior to Uganda getting independence, three sub-committees were set up to deal with Uganda’s national symbols. They were responsible for the National Flag, Anthem and Court of Arms. The sub-committee for the creation of a national anthem encouraged Ugandans to submit their proposals. It was a tough call as these were supposed to be works of art that would stand the test of time.

Uganda National Flag

The flag of Uganda was adopted on October 9, 1962, the date that Uganda became independent from England. It consists of six horizontal bands of black at top, yellow, red, black, yellow, and red.

At the centre is a grey crested crane superimposed on a white disc. The crane faces the hoist side of the flag. The raised leg symbolises that Uganda is not stationary but moving forward.

According to Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa, a lecturer of history and development studies at Makerere University, the flag was designed by Grace Ibingira, who later became the Attorney General. He was also a cabinet minister until 1966 when he became a political prisoner as a result of Obote’s changes in the government.

Each of the three colours stands for something. Black portrays the colour of African skin, Africa’s sunshine is represented by yellow, and red being the colour of African brotherhood and blood, through which all Africans and the world are connected.

The crested crane is Uganda’s emblem and was also the military badge of Ugandan soldiers during the British rule.

Coat of Arms

Also known as the Crest of Uganda, it reflects the identity, aspirations and economic activities of Uganda. It is placed in the hallway to the left of the entrance of the Parliament chamber.

In earlier interviews Prof. Senteza Kajubi, the former vice-chancellor of Makerere University, chaired the committee to design this national insignia 50 years ago.

He says the committee comprised of Wilberforce Nadiope from Busoga, Mbabi Katana, a musician from Bunyoro, George Kakoma from Buganda and Rev. Polycarp Kakooza. “We started on our task in March, 1962. First, we advertised for designs countrywide and the public responded. We sat down to select what would be Uganda’s Coat of Arms. We were to include designs that symbolised Uganda’s wealth,” he says.

The committee adopted the lush green vegetation to represent fertile soil. They selected coffee and cotton, the two main cash crops.

The river and lake signify River Nile and Lake Victoria, Uganda’s main water bodies. The River Nile, the world’s longest river flows for up to  about 5000 miles.

“We chose the shield and spears to reflect defence. On the shield, we designed waves to represent Lake Victoria. The sun represents sunshine, and the drum symbolises culture,” Kajubi explains.

The Uganda Kob portrays the rich wildlife and the crested crane represents the colours of the Uganda flag. Besides it is friendly, gentle and shows the peace-loving character of Ugandans. That is why although it is hardly as common as the marabou stork it is the national emblem.

“We tabled these designs to cabinet but we needed a national motto. Nadiope said he would come up with one. He fancied the school motto of Mwiri: ‘Kulwakatonda ne Ggwanga Lyaffe.’ which was immediately adopted and translated into English. Todd, a South African professor of Fine Art at Makerere University was asked to refine the Court of Arms.

Ugandan National Anthem

Many countries have anthems that emphasise democracy, liberty, and freedom, but Uganda’s anthem instead was inspired by Christianity, just like its motto For God and My Country. “This reflects the way Ugandans were nurtured,” Ndebesa says.

He adds that most people, who were  leaders at independence, were products of missionary schools, hence the inclination to Christianity.

The National Anthem was adopted in 1962. with words and music composed by George Kakoma, a graduate of Trinity College of Music at Durham University.

“The compositions had to be short, original, solemn, praising and looking forward to the future. They had to be harmonised in the usual four parts that is; soprano, alto, tenor and bass,” Kakoma says.

In July 1963, the committee chose Kakoma’s composition, which had taken him a day to compose both the music and lyrics. Below are the lyrics to the national anthem.

Why our national symbols are good

  Val Okech, a radio presenter
   Our national symbols are unique. Although we share flag colours with other countries, the crested   crane makes a big difference.

   Maureen Naava, a crafts dealer
I like the national symbols because they represent some of the things we have in Uganda. For instance the Kob on the emblem shows Uganda’s wildlife.

    Marjorie Nakawooya, student at Kyambogo University
I am glad the symbols on the coat of arms are non-partisan. They represent Uganda regardless of tribe, religion or political affiliation.

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