Jinja City, Uganda: The Umukuka III of the Bamasaaba, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has called on women across Masaabaland and Uganda at large to embrace tree planting as a powerful tool to combat climate change and environmental degradation.
The monarch’s call follows findings from a new research report released by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, which revealed that cultural and gender-related factors have historically hindered women’s active participation in tree planting efforts.
Representing the Bamasaaba cultural institution at the launch of the EU-funded afforestation initiative in Jinja City, the institution’s spokesperson, Mr. Steven Masiga, reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to supporting sustainable environmental practices. The event brought together cultural leaders, government officials, and representatives from the Italian agency to kickstart the “ReForEst” campaign targeting Eastern Uganda.
Speaking to DailyExpress, Mr. Masiga noted that the research identified key indigenous tree species preferred by the Bamasaaba community, including tick wood, mahogany (locally known as muvule), coffee seedlings, and bamboo.
“The people of Bugisu have witnessed devastating floods and landslides over the last 15 years,” Masiga said. “This project is timely. It will not only restore our forest cover but also address broader ecological imbalances that have cost us lives and livelihoods.”
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, working in partnership with local governments and cultural institutions in Bugisu, Teso, and Busoga, is spearheading a reforestation program funded by the European Union. Targeted districts in Bugisu include Bulambuli, Sironko, and Namisindwa—areas identified by the study as most vulnerable to environmental disasters.
Mr. Masiga also raised concern about the increasing criminalization of women who collect firewood for domestic use. “I have seen women in my own community openly arrested for picking firewood. This project offers a sustainable alternative and should empower them to grow their own trees instead of resorting to desperate means,” he said.
Experts from the Italian agency noted that former woodland areas have now degenerated into grasslands, worsened by unsustainable activities like bricklaying. They emphasized the urgent need for restoration and gender-sensitive programming to ensure local buy-in and sustainability.
The Jinja launch was attended by cultural leaders from Bugisu, Teso, and Busoga sub-regions, as well as district leaders including Soroti RDC Paul Eresu, Kumi RDC Kyoma, Napak RDC, and several LCV chairpersons from Eastern Uganda.
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