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Uganda,
once a British colony, is a beautiful landlocked country situated in the
eastern part of Africa along the equator. The countries of Rwanda, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, and Sudan surround its borders.
It covers an area of approximately 240,000 square km and has a population
of about 23 million people. Uganda's beauty, wildlife diversity, and friendly
people justify its reputation as 'The Pearl of Africa'. The habitats are
immensely varied and it can be stated without exaggeration that Uganda
is one of the most biologically diverse nations on the continent: with
forests, snow-capped mountains, savannah, crater lakes, and volcanoes.
Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular
rainfall, and sizeable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt. Agriculture
is the most important sector of the economy and it employs over 80% of
the workforce. Coffee is the major export crop. It is a country politically
divided into 56 districts, each with its full administrative unit representing
all sectors of government and the economy.
The president of Uganda is Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and he has been the
president since 1986. The president heads the Executive, assisted by the
Vice president and the cabinet ministers. The parliament which is the
legislative arm of government consists of members elected by the people.
The Judiciary is formed by various forms of judicature which are independent
of other arms of government.
Uganda became a British Protectorate in 1894 and gained independence in
1962. October 9th is Uganda’s independence Day celebrated annually.
Uganda's national emblem
is the coat of arms. Standing on a green mound is a shield and two crossed
spears. The green symbolizes Uganda's rich, green vegetation. Supporting
the shield are the Uganda Kob, symbolizing abundance of wildlife; and
the Crested Crane, Uganda's national bird.
The shield and spears symbolize our readiness to defend our motherland
against all enemies. Across the top of the shield are the waves of Lake
Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake on earth. In the center
of the shield is the sun, representing Uganda's glorious sunny days.
At the bottom of the shield is the traditional African drum, used for
dancing, ceremonial rituals, and for summoning the people to rally. Coffee
and cotton, Uganda's main cash crops, are displayed on the green mound;
together with the River Nile, the world's longest river; which starts
its 8 000 km (5 000 mile) journey in Uganda.
The
Uganda motto is "For God and My Country".
The uganda flag has the
colors of the crested crane, the national bird, which is featured on the
flag. The crested crane represents Uganda's beauty; black represents the
people; yellow, warmth and the sun; and red, the blood of brotherhood.
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The
National Anthem
First
Oh,
Uganda! may God uphold thee,
We lay our future in thy hand;
United, free for liberty together we'll always stand.
Second
Oh, Uganda! the land
of freedom,
Our love and
labor we give;
And with neighbors
all
At our country's
call
In peace and
friendship we'll live.
Third
Oh, Uganda!
the land that feeds us,
By sun and
fertile soil grown;
For our own
dear land,
We'll always
stand,
The Pearl
of Africa’s Crown.
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