'Mystical' Nakayima tree kills 4, injures several

MUBENDE - Traditional pilgrims were left stranded as a branch of the historic Bachwezi Tree, also known to many as the Nakayima Tree, fell in the wee hours of Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

The branch killed one believer on the spot and left several others injured in Boma cell, Nakayima ward, West division, Mubende municipality in Mubende district.

The deceased and victims had travelled from different parts of the country for the annual celebration, traditional thanksgiving and worship which were scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Nakayima ancestral tree, according to Racheal Kawala, the Wamala regional Police spokesperson.

“Preliminary findings indicate that at about 5:00am, three people were hit dead while seven were left injured by a dry branch of Nakayima ancestral and cultural tree while they were worshipping under it,” Kawala told New Vision.

We were informed about the incident at 7:00am by the chairperson LC1 Boma cell, before we dispatched a security team led by the district Police commander to investigate the cause of the accident.

“Three people have been confirmed dead while seven including two minors sustained fractures and serious injuries,” disclosed Kawala.

The deceased persons have been identified as Annet Nakabuye, 45, a business lady and a resident of Kasana cell, Mukangwe Ward, Nyendo town council in Masaka city who died on the spot. Others who died are Evelyn Twebaze, 39, a resident of Mikiisa village, Bukambo parish, Bukambo sub-county in Bukomansimbi district and a yet-to-be-identified person, added Kawala.

“The victims who sustained injuries were rushed to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital in critical conditions but we are still monitoring the situation,” he insisted.

Kawala disclosed the injured victims as Rose Namatovu, 48, a businesswoman and a resident of Kifampa town council in Gomba district; Victoria Nalubiri, 13, a P7 pupil at Bageza Primary School and a resident of Kangulumira cell, Kirunji ward, South division, Mubende municipality in Mubende district.

Nakayima tree was declared as the local tourist attraction by the Buganda Tourism Board of Buganda Kingdom. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Others injured include Teddy Nanono from Mubende, Mariah Nabukera from Masaka city, Josephine Namatovu from Ssembabule district. Caroline Natukunda from Kampala district.

Ronald Reagan Kimbugwe, 13, from Ssembabule district also sustained grave injuries on the fateful night.

Sitting on the Mubende Hill of ninety-nine (99) ridges, the Nakayima Tree, believed to have lived between 400 to 600 years, is a significant cultural and spiritual site of the ancestral Gods (Bachwezi) of the people of Great-Lakes region, particularly Bunyoro Kitara and Buganda Kingdom.

Residents speak out on the magic Tree

The Nakayima Tree is alleged to have magical powers, and that was why all those people were there. When the original Nakayima died, she allegedly disappeared into the tree trunk and that all the trees surrounding the main tree were her relatives.

Patricia Nyakahima, one of the locals, said the features on the tree look like parts of a woman’s figure, including the backside and breasts. “There is also a part that looks like the mouth of a cow, and is said to be Nakayima’s cow.”

“According to legend, the tree sprung from a pole on the main gate of the palace of Ndahura, one of the last kings of the legendary Bachwezi, who are said to have been demi-gods and thus had spiritual powers,” she said.

After many years as king, Ndahura was forced to abdicate in favour of his son, Wamara, who subsequently moved the capital of the kingdom farther away to present-day Masaka, Nyakahima added.

“When Ndahura eventually died, his wife, Nakayima, remained in his palace on Boma hill. Word soon spread that Nakayima was a medium, and was able to communicate with the dead Ndahura, and devotees showed up to ask the dead king for fame and fortune. In pining for his master's presence, the tree that made up one of the poles of the main gate is said to have started growing, and kept on growing,” she emphasised.

People started worshipping it as a connection to the demi-gods that had disappeared. The people that came after the Bachwezi, the Bahima, are said to have tried to cut down the tree to reduce its relevance to Ugandans, Nyakahima disclosed.

According to Nakuzabassajja Ssekyanzi, a traditional believer and one of the leaders at the shrine who spoke to New Vision Online, the tree is believed to hold spiritual powers and is revered as a place of spiritual connection between Africans and their Gods.

Rose Namatovu, one of the injured nursing wounds at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital said that the incident claimed his relatives. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

“The tree’s unique root system, which formed chambers within its trunk, is dedicated to Bachwezi great-grandfathers such as Ndahura ka Lubumbi, Nnalongo Jajja Mukasa, Jajja Musoke and Kilunda among others. Visitors often come to the tree seeking spiritual guidance, healing and blessings,” Ssekyanzi said.

Nakayima Tree’s significance extends beyond its cultural importance, as it also serves as a tourist attraction, providing a unique glimpse into Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.

Who are the Bachwezi?

The Bachwezi are a legendary group of people in Ugandan mythology and history. They are believed to have been powerful and mystical people who lived in the region of Bunyoro in western Uganda from around the 13th to the 16th century.

According to legend, the Bachwezi were a group of demi-gods who possessed supernatural powers and were said to have been responsible for introducing agriculture, ironworking and other technologies to the region.

The Bachwezi are also credited with establishing the Kingdom of Bunyoro which was one of the most powerful during the pre-colonial period.

Bachwezi are said to have built several important sites including the earthworks at Bigo-bya- Mugyenyi, Ntutsi, and the Kasubi Royal Tombs, Making of Ankole’s Bagyendanwa Royal Drum and credited for herding the long-horned cattle still present in Uganda.

The Bachwezi are still revered in Ugandan culture today as many claim descent and their legacy continues to be celebrated through music, dance and storytelling.