NFA clears construction of Bamasaaba Palace at Mutoto Cultural Site

Kampala: The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has officially approved the construction of the Bamasaaba Palace at Mutoto Cultural Site, marking a significant milestone in the development of Masaabaland.

The announcement follows a series of high-level meetings between His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka III of the Bamasaaba people, Rt. Hon. Paul Mwambu, the Prime Minister of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, NFA Executive Director, Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, and his senior management team

The discussions, held at the NFA headquarters in Kampala, focused on ensuring that the Bamasaaba community embraces sustainable forest use and conservation while benefiting from natural resources in the region.

Some of the key issues discussed include; fnalizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutoto Land whereby the Mutoto Cultural Site was recently allocated to the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution on presidential directives for development.

The MoU aims to streamline the use of the land, ensuring that cultural and developmental projects are implemented in harmony with environmental conservation.

Bamasaaba communities were urged to actively participate in tree planting and forest management to preserve the environment.

The meeting emphasized the cultural, social, and economic benefits of increasing forest cover in Masaabaland.

With NFA’s clearance, Mutoto is set to host several landmark projects, including; a royal palace for the Bamasaaba cultural leader, a museum to preserve Bamasaaba heritage and a Wildlife Education Center, making Bugisu the second region in Uganda after Entebbe to have such a facility

The Bamasaaba Cultural Institution and NFA emphasized the importance of a healthy ecosystem for sustainable livelihoods.

“We need each other; we need forests, and forests need us,” leaders stated, highlighting the balance between conservation and development.

Under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003), NFA is mandated to declare and manage forest reserves across Uganda.

Through this partnership, NFA aims to ensure sustainable utilization of forest reserves in Masaabaland, support eco-friendly cultural and developmental projects an promote environmental education and awareness.

The Umukuka III and his leadership reaffirmed their commitment to preserving forests while advancing projects that promote culture, tourism, and economic growth.

With the palace, museum, and wildlife education center now officially approved, Mutoto Cultural Site is set to become a major hub of cultural heritage and sustainable development in Bugisu.

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