Five people have been killed by the Nakayima tree during cultural rituals in Mubende district.

This incident happened on December 4, 2024, at the Nakayima cultural heritage site in Mubende district.

The Nakayima tree is not just a natural landmark; it holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local communities. According to local traditions, the tree is associated with the spirit of Ndahura, a revered figure in Ugandan folklore, and has been a site for various rituals and offerings for centuries.

The tree’s historical importance is underscored by its age, estimated to be over 400 years old, and its role as a spiritual home for many who seek blessings or guidance.

Initial reports show that the five people were killed by a big branch from the Nakayima tree that fell off the tree and fell onto the people that were below it carrying out cultural rituals.

One of the survivors identified as Brian Musoke revealed that they were sleeping not so far away from the Nakayima tree when they heard people screaming, and upon inspection, they found five people dead.

Musoke added that other people who had come to the cultural site to carry out their cultural rituals did their best to rush the deceased to the hospital; however, the huge impact from the fall of the big branch had caused a lot of harm because the branch in question was so big and dry.

’’Two people died on the spot after being hit by a big branch from the Nakayima tree; however, the other three died on their way to the hospital,’’ Musoke revealed.

He added that a baby survived, and it is on oxygen fighting for its life; however, its mother was among those who died as they were being taken to the hospital.

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While speaking to the media, Al Hajji Lule Umar Mawiya, the Mubende RDC, confirmed the incident and advised people to cancel their planned trip to the Nakayima cultural heritage site for now because it is out of bounds and under investigation.

Mawiya added that the deceased were taken to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital; however, their identities are still unknown since they did not have anything on them that could identify them.

’’We do not want other accidents from the Nakyima tree; hence, police have been deployed to refrain from any more visits to the cultural site as the tree is being inspected to see whether its other branches will not cause another tragedy since it has big branches,’’ Mawiya noted.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with natural landmarks that are integral to cultural identity but may also pose risks to public safety.

As discussions continue regarding the preservation of cultural heritage alongside community safety, this event underscores the need for comprehensive strategies that address both the spiritual significance of sites like the Nakayima tree and the physical safety of those who visit them.