Jinja, Uganda: Cultural leaders from Bugisu, Busoga, and Teso have pledged to rally their communities behind a major reforestation drive funded by the European Union in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (IADC) and the Government of Uganda.
The initiative, officially launched in Jinja, aims to restore degraded vegetation cover across Eastern Uganda by planting a range of indigenous and economically beneficial tree species.
Steven Masiga, spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, said the Umukuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, actively contributed expert insights to the project design as a key informant.
“His Highness’ input is well captured, especially regarding the importance of promoting malewa (bamboo) in both urban and rural areas of Masaabaland alongside other medicinal and indigenous plants,” Masiga told DailyExpress in an interview.
He noted that the survey underpinning the project identified unique community preferences for trees across regions. “Each cultural area has particular trees they are keen to prioritize. The Bamasaaba prefer bamboo along riverbanks, coffee seedlings, and Muvule trees. Busoga indicated a preference for sugarcane, while Teso has their own list,” Masiga said.
The Bamasaaba also expressed interest in planting trees such as bisoola, bikangu, lukangu, and chimisabasi, which serve cultural roles as traditional circumcision yards and also offer medicinal benefits.
“We shall start tree planting along circumcision paths immediately. Currently, our people are circumcised in the open, and many faint due to lack of fresh air. This project will help restore ecological balance and improve our cultural sites,” Masiga added.
The reforestation programme will mainly target non-protected areas and is expected to improve soil stability, enhance biodiversity, and help mitigate climate change effects.
Leaders from Busoga and Teso cultural institutions also voiced strong support, committing to mobilise their subjects to plant and nurture trees adapted to their local ecosystems.
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