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Independence Monument (Uganda)

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Monument in Kampala, Uganda
Independence Monument
LocationUganda
DesignerGregory Maloba
Length29 feet
Statue commemorating 'The 1962 Ugandan Independence'

The Independence Monument, also known as the Uganda Independence Monument is a sculpture which symbolizes the independence of Uganda from British colonialism on 9 October 1962. It is 29 feet (6 meters) tall concrete sculpture located in the center of Kampala City in the King George V Jubilee gardens at Nile Avenue between Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Grand Imperial Hotel to the right, and Standard Chartered bank to the left in Uganda. This monument replaces the King George V of Britain statue which used to occupy the area.

Background

The Independence Monument was uncovered on 8 October 1962, a day prior to the day of independence of Uganda from the United Kingdom in 9 October 1962. It was unveiled by Kalule Settaala who was the minister for culture and community development of that times and other officials.

The monument was carved by Gregory Maloba, a Kenyan sculptor, former student and an art lecturer at Makerere University's Margaret Trowel of Industrial and Fine art from 1939-1965. The construction of the monument was financed by the British colonial government.

Gregory Maloba was born in 1922 and died in 2007 at his home in Kenya after he had fled Uganda in late 1960s when the country degenerated into chaos. While in Kenya, he lectured at University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.

Meaning of the monument

The monument is designed on a metal framework with a mother carrying a child raising the hand upwards in the sky signifying excitement and freedom in Uganda. On the monument, the mother stands firm on the ground having both legs positioned apart and straps around the legs and waist symbolizing firmness while the "ropes" around the legs shows the freedom from the bondage of colonialism in Uganda.

Significance

The independence monument is used on the currency notes from the paper denomination of 1000 UGX up to the 50,000UGX which is Uganda's highest legal tender and appears in many promotional materials and documents of Uganda.

See also

References

  1. ^ "History curved out in monuments". Monitor. 5 January 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  2. ^ "The Independence Monument | Kampala City Guide". 21 April 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  3. ^ "Uganda's history told through monuments". Daily Monitor. 17 May 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  4. ^ "Independence Monument a complete stranger to a section of Ugandans". The Independent Uganda. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  5. ^ "Independence Monument: The art, history and beauty". Monitor. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  6. ^ Ssenkaaba, Stephen (5 October 2007). "Independence monument: A symbol of history". New Vision. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  7. "Independence Monument and the Igongo Cultural Centre Long Horned Cow Statue Light Green As Ireland Commemorates Global Greening in Uganda". utb.go.ug. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  8. ^ "The Independence Monument - Kampala - Uganda ProdAfrica Business Directory Connecting Business". 29 August 2017. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  9. ^ "Uganda Independence Monument". 4x4uganda.com. 4 July 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  10. ^ kawlaw (22 October 2021). "Monuments in Uganda". Uganda Safaris. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  11. ^ "The Independence Monument". Issuu. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  12. "Live: Uganda marks 59 years of Independence". Monitor. 9 October 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  13. "Independence aspirations: How much has Uganda achieved?". Monitor. 9 January 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  14. "Independence Monument: The art, history and beauty. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  15. ^ "The symbol of freedom". Monitor. 9 January 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  16. "Uganda's Independence Monuments at 50". Start Journal. 4 August 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  17. "Uganda's history told through monuments". Monitor. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  18. "Independence: Uganda then and now". Monitor. 9 October 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2023.

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