NFA approves construction of Bamasaaba Palace at Mutoto Cultural Site

Kampala, Uganda:- The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has given a green light to the construction of the Bamasaaba Palace at the Mutoto cultural site, following a series of meetings aimed at promoting sustainable forest management and cultural development in Masaabaland.

The meetings, held at the NFA head office in Kampala, were attended by the Umukuka III of the Bamasaaba people, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, and the Prime Minister of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, Rt. Hon. Dr. Paul Mwambu in the presence of the NFA Executive Director, Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, along with his senior management team.

The Spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution (Inzu ya Masaaba), Mr. Steven Masiga, told DailyExpress that the discussions at NFA focused on finalizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Mutoto Land, which was recently allocated to the cultural institution by presidential directive for development purposes.

“The dialogue centered on promoting public awareness of the cultural, social, and economic benefits of conserving and increasing forest cover in Masaabaland,” Mr. Masiga noted, adding that both parties pledged to encourage the Bamasaaba community to actively participate in the management of forests and trees.

“The discussions also aimed at ensuring that the Bamasaaba people benefit from the various forest reserves found across Masaabaland in a more sustainable manner,” he explained.

Both the NFA and the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution further acknowledged the significance of a healthy ecosystem in promoting vibrant livelihoods among the Bamasaaba people, and agreed on the need to harmonize cultural development with environmental conservation in line with the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act of 2003, which mandates the NFA to manage forest reserves across the country.

Plans for Development at Mutoto Cultural Site

The leadership of Umukuka III is determined to transform Mutoto into a key cultural and tourism hub. According to sources within the institution, the proposed developments at the site include the construction of the Bamasaaba Palace, a museum, and other cultural heritage projects.

Notably, the area is already home to a Wildlife Education Centre, making Bugisu the second region after Entebbe to host such a facility, thanks to the nearby forest reserves.

“We need each other. We need forests, and forests need us,” noted Dr. Paul Mwambu, underscoring the importance of sustainable coexistence between the Bamasaaba people and their natural environment.

Masiga said the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution’s leadership now plans to intensify community engagement efforts to enhance awareness about the importance of forest conservation and sustainable land use.