A heartbreaking incident unfolded early Tuesday morning at the iconic Nakayima tree on Booma Hill in Mubende Municipality, leaving four people dead and several others critically injured.
The tree, revered as a cultural and spiritual landmark in Buganda, has long served as a site for traditional ceremonies and thanksgiving rituals.
The calamity occurred at around 5 a.m. during preparations for an annual end-of-year celebration, which drew over 200 attendees. As participants gathered beneath the ancient tree, a massive branch suddenly snapped and fell, killing three people instantly and injuring seven others. A fourth victim later succumbed to injuries at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
The deceased have been identified as Anet Nakabuye (45) from Masaka, Evelyn Twebaze (39) from Bukomansimbi, and one unidentified individual. Mubende Deputy RDC, Abubaker Birungi, has since announced the temporary closure of the site, halting all activities in accordance with Buganda’s cultural norms that mandate a pause after a death.
“In Buganda, all activities must halt after a death. Therefore, tomorrow’s feast is canceled,” Birungi said, adding that local leaders would work to secure belongings left behind by the victims.
The injured include Rose Namatovu (48) from Gomba, Victoria Nalubiri (13) from Mubende, Teddy Nanono (37) from Mubende, and four others, who were promptly rushed to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
Locals have raised suspicions that the tragic event might be linked to a breach of the tree’s spiritual customs. James Wabuli, a tour guide, noted that rituals had been conducted earlier in the day, with attendees beginning to arrive the night before.
“Many slept under the tree, but around 5 a.m., a branch fell, causing this tragedy,” Wabuli explained.
Wamala Region Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala confirmed that a death inquiry file has been opened. Preliminary findings indicate that a dry and weakened branch caused the collapse, though further investigations are underway.
The Nakayima tree, steeped in cultural significance, now stands as a somber reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and safety. While the injured fight for recovery, the region mourns the lives lost in this devastating incident.
