The national colours of the Republic of Uganda were flown outside Barking Town Hall on Friday 7 October to mark 60-years since the country’s independence from the British Empire.

Residents joined Barking and Dagenham councillors for the flag-raising ceremony, which took place at 12.30pm, to mark the occasion for the first time in the borough. 

The black, yellow and red flag was flown ahead of the official Ugandan Independence Day, which takes place on Sunday 9 October.

The country gained independence from the British Empire in 1962.

Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, said: “Barking and Dagenham is now home to people from all over the world and it is heart-warming to be able to come together and celebrate our differences in the same way, by raising a flag as one borough, one community.

“Our flag-raising ceremonies are driven by the community. Today we mark 60-years of Uganda’s independence, and alongside these Independence Day celebrations, through the year we have also celebrated St George’s Day, we’ve marked LGBT History Month, Armed Forces Day, Windrush Day and much more.

“These events show the true diversity of our borough, and it is a fantastic example of what a culturally rich place Barking and Dagenham is to work and live in.”

Applications are now open for Barking and Dagenham Council’s equality and diversity community fund, which offers funding to local charities and community groups to promote social inclusion, celebrate diversity and support equality.

The fund can be used to finance a range of events including future flag-raising days, as all flags are donated to the council.

To find out more and apply visit the council’s equality and diversity community fund.

For more details about flag-raising events or to donate a flag, visit lbbd.gov.uk/flag-flying.