It is a well-known fact that in the twentieth century, there were significantly more independent independent states on the planet, mainly due to the African continent. Having received sovereignty, they sought almost immediately to introduce the main official symbols, such as the flag, coat of arms, and anthem. The coat of arms of Uganda, on the other hand, appeared almost a month earlier than the Legislative Council declared the country's independence. And even the Briton, Sir Walter Coates, the acting governor of Uganda, claimed it. Therefore, on the one hand, the main symbol of the African state is based on European heraldic traditions. On the other hand, the technique of performing symbols and details is close to the naive art of the ancient Ugandans.
Basic signs and symbols
According to the European rules for building a composition on the coat of arms of Uganda, there are:
- a shield decorated with symbolic drawings;
- supporters - representatives of the African fauna;
- base - a fragment of the Ugandan landscape;
- spears as a symbol of combat capability and readiness to defend the state.
The central place is occupied by a shield, divided into two unequal parts. The upper part shows white and blue wavy lines. At the bottom, painted black, is the sun and drum, the African national musical instrument.
The lines in the form of waves symbolize the main water resources and attractions of Uganda, namely the lakes with the beautiful names of Victoria and Albert. The sun reminds of the hot climate in the country, the drum is a symbol of the unification of the Ugandans. Traditionally, drumming announced important events, holidays and ceremonies.
Natural resources
The eastern crowned crane and the cob antelope are depicted as supporters. This particular type of crane is chosen as the national bird of Uganda. The cob antelope is widespread throughout the country and symbolizes rich natural resources.
The theme of Uganda's natural resources is continued by the symbols depicted at the base of the coat of arms. First, the image of the Nile appears here, the greatest African river, on which the well-being of many countries in the region depends. Secondly, the green areas depicted next to the Nile are symbols of the fertility of the local lands, and coffee and cotton represent the main crops of Uganda. The heraldic composition closes with a ribbon with a motto, which translates as "For God and my country."
