KAMULI - Busoga Kingdom clan leaders have been asked to mobilise their members to plant trees to mitigate climate change effects.

The call by Kyabazinga (king) William Gabula Nadiope IV was made while he hosted members of the Abaise (clan) Nkwanga who had paid a courtesy call at his Budhumbula Palace in Kamuli district on Saturday.

“Clan leaders play a vital role when it comes to mobilisation and, therefore, I urge all clan leaders to mobilise people to plant trees through my initiative of Greening Busoga,” Kyabazinga said.  

Prior to the Kyabazinga’s address, the head of the Abaise Nkwanga Clan, Robert Tigawalana, thanked the Monarch for hosting them at the Budhumbula Palace.

Clan premier Geoffrey Wawika said members of their clan have managed to establish various committees where some are responsible for cultural promotion, teaching clan members the norms and taboos of their clan, educating less privileged children identified in their communities, treating people at health camps they organise, promoting modern agriculture among Clan.

Members of the Abaise Nkwanga clan taking gifts to the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV during their visit to Budhumbula Palace in Kamuli district. Photo by Donald Kiirya

He requested ObwaKyabazinga Bwa Busoga institution to avail them with land so that they can continue planting trees on a large scale in a bid to promote climate finance opportunities.  

Wawika called upon members of the Abaise Nkwanga clan to engage in various skilling programmes established by the central government and Busoga Kingdom so that they get skilled in various professions and be able to establish jobs and employ other youth in Busoga.

He further urged members of the clan to establish an education fund that will be used in paying school fees of clever less privileged children who will be identified in various communities.

“We have supported Busoga Kingdom’s education programmes because indeed it is helping in fighting disease, poverty and ignorance in the region,” Wawika stated.

Wawika requested the Kyabazinga to help the clan solve issues of ownership of Mawembe Hill and the land surrounding it adding that these issues were taken to court and it (court) made a judgment in favour of the Abaise Nkwanga clan ordering the other parties to vacate the land, which they have not implemented up to now.

In his response, the Monarch hailed the Abaise Nkwanga clan for their solidarity among themselves to fighting for their heritage at Mawembe Hill adding that he will organise a meeting with them so that they sit and find solutions to their challenges.  

The Monarch appreciated the clan for upholding their cultural values and norms in Busoga.

Later the Abaise Nkwanga planted fruit trees at the Kyabazinga’s farm in Budhumbula Palace and also donated gifts to the Monarch.