Why we should save Kitubulu forest?

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OPINION

By Patrick Gukiina Musoke

Gazzeted in 1932, Kitubulu forest lies in the heart of Entebbe as a vital fragment of Uganda’s heritage and a crucial guardian of the Lake Victoria basin.

This 80-hectare evergreen forest not only functions as a life-support system for the local community and the nation but also aids in filtering pollutants, silt, sustaining rich biodiversity, and protecting one of Africa’s most critical freshwater sources.

Yet today, this priceless reserve faces relentless threats which not only endanger our environment but also our collective well-being. Remarkably, our grandparents, many of whom lacked formal education, perceived the profound value of Kitubulu forest and their conservation efforts were rooted in respect, observation, and necessity, which preserved this forest for posterity.

Yet with our access to knowledge and scientific insight, we bear an even greater responsibility to safeguard this inheritance. Most recently, there have been reports that the said forest has been allocated to foreign investors for building government offices and a shopping mall.

A move that could have been made in good spirit, but could turn out to be more disastrous for the present and future generations. It is my well-considered opinion that genuine development is inseparable from nature.

The fallacy that industrial or urban progress can thrive independently of our ecosystems must be discarded. Take an example of Dubai, which is globally admired as a paragon of modernity and economic dynamism but has still acknowledged nature’s indispensability, by investing heavily in projects such as the world’s largest man-made mangrove forest and the Green Planet, a bio-dome rainforest housing over 3,000 plant and animal species. These initiatives exemplify a universal truth that sustainable development and urban prosperity must coexist harmoniously with nature.

Likewise, cities like Singapore have integrated environmental conservation into their urban planning, restoring biodiversity and cultivating green spaces which enhance citizens’ well-being.

Against this backdrop, the recent moves to allocate portions of Kitubulu Forest Reserve to private developers signify a worrying departure from sustainability and legality. Legally, Kitubulu’s protection is cemented by the Public trust doctrine enshrined in Uganda’s 1995 Constitution and environmental legislation.

This doctrine mandates the government to safeguard natural resources, including forests and water bodies on behalf of the people and future generations. It is not a mere administrative task but a fiduciary duty to prevent exploitation and degradation.

This doesn’t mean that they cannot be exploited, provided it is done sustainably. Moreover, biblical wisdom reinforces this stewardship ethos, and the book of Genesis 2:15 instructs humanity to "work and take care" of the earth, a sacred charge transcending time and culture.

In conclusion, I urge all leaders of goodwill to take decisive action that upholds the sanctity of public trust and fosters transparent engagement among stakeholders.

We stand at a pivotal moment where honouring the legacy of our forebears necessitates embracing the principles of sustainable development and stewardship. We must strike a harmonious balance between progress and preservation.

Let us ensure that Kitubulu Forest is not relegated to a mere vestige of the past but instead serves as a vibrant foundation for a resilient and flourishing future.

This commitment is not solely an environmental imperative; it is a solemn duty we owe to present and future generations.

To this end, we must undertake comprehensive case studies of cities like Dubai, which have demonstrated that development can occur alongside a profound respect for nature.

By learning from such examples, we can forge a path that not only prioritises economic advancement but also nurtures the ecological integrity of our communities.

Together, let us envision a future where development and environmental stewardship coexist, ensuring that our legacy is one of sustainability and respect for the natural world.

The writer is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda, an author, researcher and ULS Digital Excellence Award Laurette 2025

gukiimeni@gmail.com