From the top, a total of six horizontal stripes of black, yellow, red, black, yellow, red. Black symbolises our African heritage and Uganda's fertile soil; yellow is for the glorious sunny days, so characteristic of Uganda; red symbolises the red blood that runs in our veins, forming a common bond to all humankind. The majestic crested crane (Regulorum gibbericeps) is Uganda's National Bird.

Uganda's Coat of Arms

Standing on a green mound is a shield and two crossed spears. The green symbolizes Uganda's lush, green vegetation. Supporting the shield are the Uganda Kob (Adenota kob Thomasi), symbolizing abundance of wildlife; and the Crested Crane (Regulorum gibbericeps), 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 centre 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 8000 km (5000 mile) journey in Uganda. The Uganda motto is "For God and My Country".

The National Anthem of Uganda

"Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty" is the Uganda National Anthem. It was adopted in 1962 with words and music composed by George Wilberforce Kakoma.

Oh, Uganda! May God uphold thee,
We lay our future in thy hand;
United, free for liberty
together we'll always stand.

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Oh, Uganda! The land of freedom,
Our love and labour we give;
And with neighbours all
At our country's call
In peace and friendship we'll live.

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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

Public Holidays 2012

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given here are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Overview of the Economy

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export revenues.

The economic reforms implemented by the present government in Uganda since 1987, coupled with political stability, have contributed to economic growth rates averaging 6% perannum in the last decade. This has made Uganda one of the fastest growing countries in Africa. Inflation is under control and has been maintained below 10% per annum for the last four years. Most economic activities are fully liberalized and open to foreign investment. There are no restrictions to 100% foreign ownership of investments and no barriers to remittance of dividends.

The Uganda Shilling is fully convertible and has remained stable over the last years. The foreign exchange market is now wholly liberalized following a move by government, effective July 1997, to liberalize capital account transactions. Uganda is now one of about only five countries in the whole of Africa that have no restrictions on capital amount transfers. Within Africa and the merging markets, Uganda enjoys a high status with donors and lenders.

Taxes on imports and locally manufactured goods continue to fall in line with the Government's commitment to support the growth of the manufacturing sector. In general, the environment for private sector investment has improved significantly with the formal economy growing in importance. As well as pure growth, Uganda is seeing a shift from the firmly agricultural based economy of 1986 towards construction manufacturing and regional trade/distribution.

For more information on the economy go to:

www.finance.go.ug

www.bou.or.ug