Kampala, Uganda – The Prime Minister of the Bamasaaba cultural institution (also known as the Bugisu cultural institution), Rt. Hon. Dr. Paul Mwambu, has assured the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) of the institution’s readiness to partner in promoting tree planting across Masaabaland.
Dr. Mwambu made this commitment during a meeting hosted by the UNDP in Kampala. The gathering brought together representatives from various cultural institutions and officials from government agencies, including the Ministry of Lands and National Forestry Authority (NFA) sector heads from across Uganda.
Dr. Mwambu highlighted the availability of sufficient land within Bamasaaba cultural trails for the initiative. He also pledged to engage clan chairpersons to raise awareness about the UNDP’s efforts in encouraging youth participation, emphasizing that this would be a youth-led program.
The meeting saw significant representation from cultural institutions. Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the Bamasaaba cultural institution, attended on its behalf.
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Acholi cultural institution, Hon. Walter, represented the Acholi, while Madam Teddy Nabakooza, Buganda Kingdom’s Lands Officer, represented Buganda Kingdom.
The UNDP team, including Dr. Tom Sengalama, an environmental expert; Madam Mercy Kayodi Melodi, Youth and Innovations Officer; and Monica Akullo, all from UNDP, collectively underscored the critical role of cultural institutions in this program and the importance of youth leadership in community afforestation efforts.
They also highlighted the relevance of tree planting among young people and commended kingdoms like Buganda for allocating land to support such causes.
