Today in history: National flag colours announced

The Government on May 17, 1962 announced the colours of the Uganda National Flag — six equal width horizontal stripes of black, yellow and red.

The new design was selected by a special Cabinet committee.

It was announced that one of the designs proposed for the flag had vertical stripes of green, blue and green separated by stripes of gold and with a golden Crested Crane at the centre. This was found unsuitable for technical reasons.

The new flag was to have a Crested Crane at the centre, superimposed on a white circle. The spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister said the three colours symbolized Africa (black), sunshine (yellow) and brotherhood of mankind (red).

It had been necessary to decide on the final design for the flag as a matter of urgency in order for it to be ready by Independence Day.