A Complete Guide to the History and Composition of the Uganda National Anthem

“Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty” is the Uganda National Anthem. The anthem was composed and written by Professor George Wilberforce Kakoma and was officially adopted on October 9, 1962, when Uganda gained independence from the United Kingdom.

What is the Uganda National Anthem?

The Uganda National Anthem, titled “Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty,” serves as one of Uganda’s most important symbols alongside the Uganda Coat of Arms and the Uganda flag. It consists of three verses representative of the culture, heritage, beliefs and aspirations of the people of Uganda from their patriotism, belief in God and unity as a nation to the acknowlegment of Uganda’s natural gifts such as fertile soils, Abundant wildlife and the all-year round sun.

At 8 only bars long, the Uganda National Anthem is one of the shortest anthems in the world, sharing this distinction with Japan’s Kamigayo.

Who wrote and composed the Uganda National Anthem?

Professor George Wilberforce Kakoma, a graduate of Trinity College of Music and Durham University in London, composed both the music and wrote the lyrics for the Uganda National Anthem. The anthem was officially adopted on October 9, 1962, the day Uganda gained independence from British colonial rule.

Remarkably, Kakoma composed the entire anthem in just one day after hearing on Radio Uganda that none of the previously submitted entries had satisfied the selection committee.

The Story Behind Uganda’s National Anthem

Independence and the Search for National Symbols

From 1894 to Early October, 1962 Uganda existed as a British protectorate. In preparation for independence, 3 subcommittees were formed with the purpose of creating national symbols namely Flag, Coat of Arms and Anthem for the soon-to-be independent nation.

Nationwide Contest

The subcommitte in charge of creating the Uganda National Anthem held a nationwide contest inviting the public at large to participate in the exercise. The official set of guidelines specified that the compositions had to be:

• Short and Original
• Solemn and praising
• Depict excitement of the Ugandan people about the future
• Harmonised in the usual four parts-soprano, alto, tenor and bass

Kakoma’s Winning Entry

In July of 1962, the committe announced on Radio Uganda, the country’s only radio station at the time that none of the submitted entries up until that point had satisfied the committe members. This prompted Prof George William Kakoma to compose his entry which he wrote in a single day.

His composition was selected as the winner shortly from 4 shotlisted entries. The Uganda National Anthem was played publicly for the first time by a police band conducted by Mr. John Moon on 9th October 1962 when Uganda gained independence from the United Kingdom.

As recognition and appreciation for his work, then Prime Minister Apollo Milton Obote awarded Kakoma 2,000 Uganda Shillings.

English Lyrics of the Uganda National Anthem

Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty, Uganda’s national anthem is composed of 8 bars and 3 stanzas. Each stanza highlights different aspects of Uganda.

Official Translations of the Uganda National Anthem

Uganda has three official languages: English, Luganda and Swahili. Accordingly, the Uganda National Anthem has been officially translated into Luganda and Swahili. Like the English version of the anthem, the Swahili and Luganda translations mantain the 8 bar structure and 3 stanzas.

Luganda translation of the Uganda National Anthem

Swahili translation of the Uganda National Anthem

Structure and Musical Composition of the Uganda National Anthem

The Uganda National Anthem is musically unique for several reasons:

• Length: At only eight bars, it’s among the world’s shortest national anthems
• Structure: Three stanzas, each eight bars long
• Musical arrangement: Harmonized in four parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass)
• Performance: Multiple verses are sung at public events due to its brevity

Some sources incorrectly state the anthem is nine bars long, but this is because the pickup bar at the beginning is only a partial measure and isn’t counted as a complete bar.

When and Where is the Uganda National Anthem Used?

The Uganda National Anthem is performed at various official and non-official settings throughout the country. These include:

• National Celebrations such as Independence day(October 9th)
• Parliamentary sessions and government events
• School assemblies across the nation
• Military and police parades
• International sporting events and competitions
• Official government ceremonies and state functions

Unless under special circumstances, it is mandated that ALL Ugandans stand up when the national anthem is being performed as a form of respect regardless of the occasion.

Controversy sorrounding the ownership of the Uganda National Anthem

Legal Dispute

In 2008, Prof. George Wilberforce Kakoma, the composer of the Uganda National Anthem sued the Goverment of Uganda claiming that he had never been adequately compensated for his work on the anthem. He alleged that he retained rights to the Anthem and demanded 4 decades worth of royalty payments from the Government of Uganda. Kakoma argued that the government had given him only 2,000 Uganda Shillings (equivalent to less than £1 in 2008 currency) as a “token of thanks,” which he considered insufficient compensation

Court Decision

The case reached the Uganda Court of Appeal, which dismissed it in 2019 after Kakoma’s death. The court ruled that the ownership and copyright of the Uganda National Anthem belonged to the people and Government of Uganda, not to the individual composer. This established that national symbols created for the state vest their copyright in the government rather than the creator.

Meaning behind each verse of the Uganda National Anthem

First Verse: Unity and Divine Trust

The opening verse of the Uganda National Anthem emphasizes national unity and trust in God. It expresses the committment of Ugandans to stand together for freedom and liberty, placing the nation’s future in divine hands.

Second Verse: Peace and Regional Cooperation

The second stanza focuses on Uganda’s dedication to peace, hard work, and maintaining friendly relations with neighboring countries. It reflects Uganda’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with its neighboring countries.

Third Verse: Natural Abundance

The final verse celebrates Uganda’s natural wealth, its fertile soils and all year round sunshine that enable agriculture, the backbone of Uganda’s economy. The reference to “The Pearl of Africa’s Crown” acknowledges Uganda’s reputation for natural beauty and abundant resources.

Sir Winston Churchill nicknamed Uganda the Pearl of Africa in reference to its abundant natural resources from lakes, rivers to abundant wildlife.

Teaching the Uganda National Anthem

The Uganda National Anthem remains an essential part of education in Uganda. Schools across the country teach students to sing all three verses, often printing the lyrics on report cards. This practice ensures that new generations maintain connection with their national identity and understand the values embedded in the anthem.

By learning the Uganda National Anthem students develop:

• National pride and patriotism
• Understanding of Uganda’s history and independence
• Appreciation for national symbols and their significance
• Cultural identity and belonging

Conclusion

The Uganda National Anthem plus the national flag and Court of Arms are the three most important symbols of Uganda as a sovereign nation. Each of these is representative of the culture, heritage, beliefs and aspirations of Uganda as a country and Ugandans as a people. Whether the anthem is sung in English, Luganda or Swahili, it serves as a reminder to Ugandans of their shared identity and values as a nation.

Planning a trip to Africa? Explore our expertly curated tour packages to experience the incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that make Uganda truly the Pearl of Africa.

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