AUGUST 16, 2025 — A proposal by Gulu City Council in Uganda to replace its long-standing flag has triggered sharp criticism from residents and local leaders, with many questioning both the design and the need for change, says Monitor.
The existing flag, in use for about forty years, carries blue, yellow, and green stripes along with traditional emblems such as a drum, crested crane, shield, elephant tusk, pot, and green leaves.
The new version being promoted by Mayor Alfred Okwonga would replace these with yellow, black, and green stripes bearing nine stars. Although no official image has been released to the public, the new design has generated heated debate, particularly in social media forums and WhatsApp groups.
Mayor Okwonga explained that the colours are meant to reflect unity, strength, natural wealth, and sustainable growth, while the stars represent the eight districts of the Acholi Sub-region joined with Gulu City at the centre.
Yet the idea has run into resistance from leaders across the region.
Critics warn that changing the flag could be pushed through without proper debate, drawing comparisons to other controversial decisions in the past.
Some argue that removing long-standing cultural symbols, such as the elephant, raises doubts about the true motives behind the redesign. Others see no reason to alter a flag that has served the city for decades and insist the current design remains meaningful. For many residents, the issue goes beyond aesthetics; the flag is viewed as an anchor of identity, and replacing it with colours tied to broader regional or national imagery risks erasing local heritage.
Those open to change say it should happen through wider participation, such as a public design contest, rather than decisions made behind closed doors.
