Buganda Kingdom, Kyambogo replant historic tree
Buganda Kingdom officials and Kyambogo University staff at the tree-planting function on Wednesday. PHOTO/COURTESY OF BUGANDA KINGDOM
What you need to know:
The symbolic Canarium tree, locally known as Muwafu, collapsed in February 2024 after standing for more than 150 years
Buganda Kingdom, in partnership with Kyambogo University, has replanted a historic tree associated with the roots of formal education in Uganda. The symbolic Canarium tree, locally known as Muwafu, collapsed in February 2024 after standing for more than 150 years.
According to archaeologists at Kyambogo University, it was beneath this tree that the 30th Kabaka of Buganda, Ssekabaka Walugembe Muteesa I, met British explorer Henry Morton Stanley in the late 19th century. The meeting culminated in Kabaka Muteesa I writing a letter that invited Anglican missionaries to Buganda. The tree, which once stood within the grounds of the king’s palace, is now located on the campus of Kyambogo University.
Speaking during the restoration ceremony held on Wednesday at the university, Buganda Kingdom’s Minister for Culture and Heritage Anthony Wamala urged Ugandans to preserve historical landmarks, which he said are crucial to the country’s cultural identity.
Prof Maria Goretti Nassali Musoke, the deputy vice chancellor of Kyambogo University, led the scientific team responsible for restoring the tree. She explained that the process of regenerating the tree took more than six months of delicate research and monitoring. “We monitored the sapling daily to ensure successful growth. This wasn’t just about replacing a tree—it was about preserving a living monument marking the birth of formal education in Uganda,” she added.
