| East and Central Africa Medal | |
| Presenter: | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Type: | Campaign medal |
| Eligibility: | British and locally recruited forces. |
| Awarded For: | Campaign service. |
| Campaign: | East and Central Africa 1897-1899 |
| Clasps: |
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| Image2 Size: | 100px |
The East and Central Africa Medal, established in February 1899,[1] was a British campaign medal awarded for minor military operations in the Uganda Protectorate and Southern Sudan between 1897 and 1899. Four separate clasps were issued.[2]
Most medals were awarded to British-led local forces or units of the Indian Army. No British Army units were present, although a number of British officers and non commissioned officers received the medal while seconded to local units.[3] The recipients of the Lubwa's and Uganda 1897-98 clasps included several women who nursed the sick.[1] [4]
The medal is 36mm in diameter. It was issued in silver to all recipients, except for native porters and other authorised camp followers, who received the medal in bronze.[3]
The obverse of the medal bears a left facing half-length figure of Queen Victoria holding the Royal Sceptre with the inscription "VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX".[5]
The reverse, designed by G. W. de Saulles,[1] has an image of Britannia standing and facing right, holding a trident and palm branch, while behind is a lion and the rising sun. Below is the inscription "EAST & CENTRAL AFRICA".[5]
The name and regiment of the recipient are engraved in capitals on the rim of the medal.[1]
The 31.7mm wide ribbon is half yellow and half red, with the yellow to the left when facing the wearer.[1]
Most medals were awarded with a clasp,[1] with a total of four authorised. Lubwa's was only awarded as part of a two clasp medal, usually with Uganda 1897-98.[5] The clasps awarded were:[1] [2]
Operation against mutinous Sudanese soldiers stationed in Uganda who held Fort Lubwa's on Lake Victoria, 23 September 1897 - 24 February 1898
An expedition into the Teita country of Uganda, 20 July 1897 - 19 March 1898
For service in quelling a rebellion by the Ogaden Somalis led by Sultan Ahmed bin Marghan, 12 April - 3 October 1898
For service in the Uganda Protectorate along the Nile to quell a rebellion by local rulers Kabarega and Mwanga II of Buganda, 21 March - 2 May 1899