'We will bite hard': Mbale moves to save limping environment

____________________

In Uganda's eastern city of Mbale, voices of concern are mounting over the rapid destruction of the environment.

Authorities and residents are particularly worried about the depletion of swamps and the felling of the last remaining ornamental Mvule trees — with fewer than ten left standing.  

The devastation is being driven by commercial firewood collection, charcoal burning, construction, and unchecked urban development.

It is now threatening the city’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of its people.  

Vanishing heritage

Mbale city authorities have long prided themselves in preserving a handful of historic Mvule trees planted between 1900 and 1920 during Semei Kakungulu’s administration.

These towering trees, which take over 50 years to mature, once lined roadsides, government institutions, and sub-county headquarters.

However, rampant logging has left only a few still standing.  

Moses Wadamba, a senior citizen in Maluku, expressed frustration over the city’s failure to protect these natural monuments.

“I call upon NEMA [National Environment Management Authority] to intervene and hold Mbale city accountable for replacing the felled trees,” he said. 

And his proposal: Establish a Mvule tree nursery and enforce a strict "cut one, plant one" policy.  

Toll on swamps

Meanwhile, the surrounding swamps — crucial for water retention and biodiversity — have been degraded by firewood harvesting, construction, and farming activities. 

Rice, tomatoes, and cabbage plantations now dominate these wetlands, while garbage dumping further pollutes the area.  

Rodha Nyaribi, Mbale city’s environmental officer, warned that the destruction is accelerating climate change effects.

“If immediate action isn’t taken, droughts and erratic rainfall will worsen,” she said.  

'We will bite hard'

James Kutosi, Mbale city’s senior spokesperson, revealed that top officials are investigating the illegal logging, suspecting some leaders may be complicit. 

“One of the last six Mvule trees on Boma Ground was cut down on Eid al-Fitr under unclear circumstances,” he said.  

The city has launched patrols, enforced bans on firewood collection, and imposed strict penalties for swamp reclamation.

“We will bite hard — anyone violating environmental laws will face severe consequences," warned assistant resident city commissioner (RCC) Yahaya Were.

With climate change impacts already visible, Mbale’s authorities are partnering with environmental groups on reforestation and swamp restoration.

RCC Asumin Nasike emphasized the urgency by saying: “We will not sit back and watch our environment destroyed.”

As Uganda battles deforestation and wetland degradation, Mbale’s struggle serves as a stark reminder: without swift action, the city’s natural heritage — as well as the future of its people —hangs in the balance.