UGANDA THE PEARL OF AFRICA
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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