Bugisu Cultural Institution Proposes Bamboo Planting to Tackle Environmental Challenges

The Bugisu Cultural Institution, "Inzu Ya Masaba," has called for the planting of bamboo across 10,000 hectares of land along the boundary of Mount Elgon National Park to address the growing environmental threats of floods and landslides that have plagued the region in recent years.

Simon Peter Nabende Wamoto, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainable Development within the cultural institution, presented the proposal during a media engagement.

He emphasized that bamboo planting has the potential to restore the region’s ecosystem and protect local communities from the escalating risks of climate-related disasters.

"We are calling on the government to allocate us all the lower boundaries of the national park, about 10,000 hectares, in order for us to plant bamboo,” Wamoto said.

He also urged the government to provide bamboo seedlings to support the initiative, stressing that success depends on a robust public-private partnership.

Wamoto called on the Prime Minister to facilitate the creation of a cabinet paper that would bring together relevant ministries to support the project.

He also suggested that the Ministry of Defence deploy soldiers to assist in the planting efforts, ensuring the project's efficient and effective implementation.

This proposal coincides with the launch of the Ministry of Water and Environment’s Water Week, which aims to foster multi-sectoral discussions on climate change and environmental conservation.

Maximo Twinomuhangi, principal hydrologist and Team Leader for the Kyoga Water Management Zone, highlighted bamboo’s role in ecosystem restoration, particularly its ability to stabilize riverbanks.

He pointed to successful pilot projects along River Manawa, where bamboo is already helping to combat erosion and improve water quality.

Bamboo’s ability to stabilize soil and retain water makes it an ideal solution for the region’s environmental issues.

Its fast growth and strong root system help reduce soil erosion, protect riverbanks, and absorb excess water, mitigating the effects of flooding and landslides.

Despite discussions on bamboo’s potential in environmental circles, it has yet to be fully implemented.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the bamboo planting project offers significant economic potential.

Wamoto noted that the region could generate income from the sale of carbon credits, potentially surpassing revenue from Arabica coffee cultivation.

Moreover, the bamboo boundary would help reduce conflicts between local communities and wildlife.

Bugisu cultural leaders are optimistic that this bamboo planting proposal will gain traction, leading to concrete action that will restore the Mount Elgon ecosystem and secure the future of the region.