Who designed the Uganda Coat of Arms?

The Uganda Coat of Arms was designed by Cecil Todd who was a professor at the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art at Makerere University. The Coat of Arms was then adopted on 9th October, 1962 when Uganda gained independence from the British Colonial rule. The Uganda Coat of arms along with the Uganda Flag and the National anthem are the 3 national symbols of Uganda.

Some historical sources wrongly credit Armstrong Perett as the designer of the Uganda Coat of Arms however, its widely recognised throughout the country that Professor Cecil Todd was responsible for the design of the Uganda Coat of Arms.

What does the Uganda Coat of Arms look like?

The Uganda Coat of Arms features a number of elements: A shield featuring a traditional drum, a brightly shining sun in the centre and wavy blue and white lines at the top. Behind the shield are two African Spears. Supporting the shield on either side are 2 animals, a Ugandan kob on the left and Uganda’s national bird, the Crested Crane on the right.

At the base is a green mound with coffee and cotton plants on either side, a representation of the Nile river in the centre and a banner at the base with the Uganda Motto “For God and my Country” inscribed on it.

Meaning behind elements on the Uganda Coat of Arms

Each element on the Uganda Coat of Arms carries a specific meaning about Ugandans and the nation itself.

1. Shield and Spears: Willingness of Ugandans to fight for their country
2. Wavy lines on the shield: represent Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world
3. Traditional drum: Symbolises summoning of people for ceremonies and meetings
4. Brightly shining sun: Represents all year round sunshine enjoyed by Uganda
5. Supporting animals: Ugandan Kob represents the abundant widlife while the Crested crane is Uganda’s national bird
6. Coffee and cotton plants were Uganda’s 2 main cashcrops at the time of designing the Coat of arms and symbolise the fact that Uganda is an agricultural country.
7. National Motto: “For God and my country” reflects committment to patriotism and faith in God.

Unlike the Uganda Flag which any citizen can use, the Uganda Coat of Arms is restricted to official use only and it features on Government buildings, national currency and official documents such as the Ugandan Passport. Learn more about the history, design and meaning behind the Uganda flag by checking out our comprehensince guide.

Interestingly, the coat of arms has been at the center of historical controversies, including the 1966 crisis when the drum’s symbolism was officially reinterpreted following political upheaval. Read more about the history, modern day usage, controversies and constitutional significance of the Uganda coat of arms in our comprehensive guide

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.

Interested in what else Uganda has to offer, check out the rest of our travel guides:

• Everything You Need to Know When Applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa
• Where is Uganda Located in Africa
• What Currency is used in Uganda
• What Language do they speak in Uganda
• A Guide to Ugandan Time, Timezones and Time comparison with makor cities around the world