Private Story
Badru Katumba Sultan
Trees that have survived generations are cleared so apartments can stand in their stead. Every day they are felled to create room for utilities including water pipes and electricity lines, to satisfy the needs of the middle-income earners of the city. In the process, many places which got their names from trees have lost local distinctiveness. For example, Kiyembe, now a bustling market, originally took its name from a big mango tree, under whose shade business could be carried out in comfort.
Street trees support a rich and diverse range of wildlife, providing important connectivity between isolated pockets of fragmented habitats, and mitigating the adverse effects of urbanisation for birds and other wildlife. The shade from these trees reduces surface temperatures by an average of 12°C, which is why on any given day you will find many people resting under them in Kampala. A passenger waiting for the next taxi, a jobseeker waiting for her interview, or a boda boda guy at his stage. These trees are part of the fabric of the city, its parks and recreational areas, which simultaneously allow us to forget we are in the city.
Trees are more than just for shade - they also create memories of love and help with navigation. And from a scientific standpoint, they’re great neighbours. A mature tree absorbs about 25 kgs of CO2 each year and reduces the risks of floods by storing gallons of water after rains. They also reduce stress levels and noise pollution. By absorbing lots of pollutants from the environment, what better way to have healthier cities?
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