Uganda gained its independence from British colonial rule on October 9, 1962. This marked the birth of a new nation, free to govern itself after decades of colonial administration. The country’s first Prime Minister was Milton Obote, and the national flag—featuring black, yellow, and red stripes with a grey crowned crane—was raised for the first time. Independence Day is now celebrated every year to honor Uganda’s freedom, unity, and progress as the “Pearl of Africa.”