Representatives of the Bugisu, Teso, and Busoga cultural institutions have pledged to mobilize their communities to embrace the upcoming reforestation project in Eastern Uganda.
The initiative is funded by the European Union (EU) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (IADC). It is a joint effort between the EU, the Government of Uganda, and other development partners, with the singular mission of planting trees across Eastern Uganda.
The cultural representatives, speaking on behalf of their respective institutions, pledged to encourage community participation in the project, which aims to improve vegetation cover by planting a variety of tree species.
Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, expressed gratitude to the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation for working closely with the Bugisu Cultural Institution and the Bamasaaba people.
“I am happy to inform participants gathered here that His Highness the Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, served as a key informant interviewee (KII) in the survey being disseminated today,” he said.
His Highness’s input is well captured in the report, particularly his encouragement for the growth of malewa (bamboo) in both urban and rural areas of Masaabaland, along with the promotion of various indigenous and medicinal trees and plants.
Steven Masiga told The Ankole Times that each cultural area, according to the survey, has preferred tree species they are interested in planting. For instance, the Bamasaaba would like to plant malewa along riverbanks, as well as coffee seedlings and Muvule trees. The survey also indicated that Busoga preferred the planting of sugarcane.
“Different regions have different soil types, which influence the types of trees that can be grown,” Masiga added. “For us in the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, we prefer trees such as bisoola, bikangu, lukangu, and chimisabasi—some of which are used during circumcision rituals. We also advocate for the growing of other medicinal trees such as the enguwa, bipela, and avocado trees.”
“We shall ensure the commencement of tree planting along the circumcision paths through this project. Currently, circumcisions are carried out in the open, and many participants faint due to lack of fresh air. This project will help restore ecological balance in our society.”
The reforestation project by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation will primarily focus on planting a variety of tree species in non-protected areas of Eastern Uganda.
