Africa-Press – Uganda. Leaders in Mubende District have set tough conditions ahead of reopening Nakayima Tree, which has been closed for almost three months.
The incident that led to the closure of the tree occurred on December 4, 2024, when three people lost their lives due to a falling branch.
During a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the site and chaired by the Mubende District security team together with local leaders, Mubende Municipality Mayor Innocent Ssekiziivu gave a message of hope regarding the reopening of the site to allow people to conduct their traditional rituals.
“We have heard your concerns about reopening this place, but we could not do so without taking precautions because we do not want to see any more loss of life here,” said Ssekiziivu.
He also advised the concerned parties to ensure they do not tamper with the tree and recommended constructing a perimeter fence.
“For us to reopen this place, we must ensure that no one gets too close to the tree. What you should do is fence it off to prevent people from getting too near,” Ssekiziivu added.
Ssekiziivu further warned against ownership wrangles over Nakayima, emphasizing that no one would be allowed to disrupt its management.
“We have heard that a group of people wants to promote conflicts at this place, and I am warning you that the government is in control of this site. No one should ever think of reclaiming ownership of Nakayima,” he stated.
Andrew Solomon Musiindi, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner in charge of Kassambya County, also emphasized the importance of protecting the tree.
“We all want you to worship, but we cannot just let you enter this place freely because it would put your lives at risk,” said Musiindi.
He further urged worshippers at the site to work together to ensure the tree is fenced off. “If you all put in the effort to fence this place, we can easily reopen it because you will be protected from danger,” Musiindi added.
Charles Ssemwogerere, the West Division Mayor, advised locals and worshippers to avoid interfering with the tree and suggested finding a safer location for prayers.
“We all understand that you have gone a long time without worshiping here. If you comply with the measures we have outlined, we will reopen the site, and you will be able to resume your daily worship activities,” Ssemwogerere stated.
Locals at Nakayima welcomed the idea of fencing off the tree to prevent direct access.
“It is a good idea to fence the tree because it could fall again and cause more harm. If we can fence it and find another place for our rituals, that would be a good solution,” said one local resident.
Other business owners shared the hardships they have faced since the site’s closure.
“I used to earn about Shs 20,000 a day, but since the tree was closed off, I no longer make as much because my main source of income is boda boda, and no worshippers are coming to the tree,” said a boda boda rider.
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