Symbol of
Balance & Peace
The Crested Crane, Ng’aali, is Uganda’s national bird and an enduring symbol of balance, peace, and continuity. This initiative calls for designers to interpret its essence through a luxury timepiece shaped by heritage, craft, and African expression.
Learn more about the Crested Crane
Ng’aali, the Crested Crane, was adopted as Uganda’s national bird at independence in 1962 — a deliberate choice reflecting peace, grace, resilience, and unity at the moment the nation reclaimed its identity.
Distinguished by its golden crown, white plumage, black legs, and red throat pouch, the crane is known for its composed movement and ceremonial courtship dance. Famously monogamous, it forms lifelong bonds, a trait long associated with loyalty and harmony in Ugandan culture.
For centuries, particularly within Buganda culture, Ng’aali was revered as a symbol of dignity, prosperity, and longevity. Cultural belief systems protected the bird long before modern law, ensuring it was respected and never hunted.
Today, the Crested Crane remains central to Uganda’s national identity, appearing on the flag, coat of arms, currency, and institutions. Yet habitat loss, wetland degradation, and human encroachment have caused a sharp population decline, placing this living national symbol at risk.
This initiative calls for designers to interpret its essence through a luxury timepiece shaped by heritage, craft, and African expression.
Gemstone Usage
Integrate authentic Ugandan stones reflecting the Crane's plumage.
His & Hers
A cohesive dual concept with male and female expressions.
