Muteesa I’s Tree Replanted at Kyambogo University

A living symbol of Uganda’s educational and cultural history has been restored at Kyambogo University with the replanting of a historic tree believed to have been planted by Kabaka Muteesa I in 1875.

The ceremony, overseen by Professor Maria Goretti Nassali Musoke, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, marked the return of the iconic tree under which Kabaka Muteesa I, in the company of British explorer Henry Morton Stanley, composed a letter to Queen Victoria inviting Christian missionaries and educators to Buganda.

That letter is widely considered the starting point for formal education in Uganda.

The original tree, which stood on the university campus for nearly 150 years, collapsed in February 2024 due to age and weathering, sparking concern among cultural leaders and historians.

The Canarium tree, commonly known as Omuwafu, was located at Kyambogo Hill in front of the Technical Teacher Education building on Teachers Road.

In response to its significance, the Buganda Kingdom partnered with the university to preserve its legacy.

It was not immediately clear what tree species planted on Wednesday is but the looks of the leaves point to another Canarium tree.

Speaking at the replanting event, Anthony Wamala, Minister for Culture and Heritage at Mmengo, warned against neglecting the country’s historical landmarks.

“Many of us are destroying what we have because we do not value our heritage,” Wamala said. “Some tourist attractions we see today are built on myths because the true historical sites have vanished. We must stop making that mistake.”

Professor Nassali, who led a team of scientists and environmentalists in preserving the tree’s remains, said it took six months of careful study and propagation to cultivate a viable sapling from the fallen tree.

“This has been a challenging yet deeply fulfilling journey,” she said.

“We were determined to restore this symbol—not just for Kyambogo University, but for the entire country. It is a living monument to the birth of formal education in Uganda.”

To further preserve and share Kabaka Muteesa I’s legacy, additional saplings will be planted at key historical locations, including Banda Palace, Muteesa I Royal University in Kirumba, King’s College Budo, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and select schools across the country.

The replanting ceremony drew dignitaries, cultural leaders, academics, and university officials. Ronald Mpagi, the First Deputy Kaggo of Kyadondo County, emphasized the tree’s importance in Uganda’s national identity.

“This tree represents the genesis of formal education in our land,” Mpagi said.

“Destroying such artifacts is like erasing chapters from our national story. Let us be the guardians of our heritage.”

The Kabaka’s representative for Nakawa County also attended, echoing calls to safeguard the site for future generations.

In his closing remarks, Minister Wamala instructed Kyambogo University to implement measures to protect the sapling, including the installation of a protective fence and educational signage.

He emphasized the site must be preserved as a cultural and educational landmark.

The replanting of Kabaka Muteesa I’s tree is more than a symbolic act—it is a reaffirmation of national pride and a renewed commitment to historical preservation.

As the sapling takes root once again, it stands as a living tribute to the Kabaka’s vision and the enduring power of Uganda’s heritage.