Oct 09, 2021
Uganda Independence Day 2021
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Pearls are the natural world’s only gemstone formed in a living creature. Out of the 54 countries on the continent of Africa, there is only one natural gem known as the “Pearl of Africa”—Uganda. The East African nation became a self-governing country on this day in 1962, an anniversary celebrating its Independence Day and the adoption of its national flag, which is depicted in today’s Doodle.
Home to over 45 million people, Uganda is a nation that has enjoyed massive progress since independence, and countrywide celebrations honor this progress. In past years, there has been a national parade at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Local communities have their own festivities with traditional dance and food like matoke—steamed, mashed bananas with a peanut sauce, beans, fish, or beef.
Along with being a chance to reflect on almost 60 years of independence, today is also an opportunity for Ugandans to look toward the future of their nation—a forward motion symbolized by the raised leg of the grey-crowned crane found on the center of the Ugandan flag.
Happy Independence Day, Uganda!
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