The decision comes after days of public attention around the tree, which attracted hundreds of people from Lwengo and neighbouring districts seeking spiritual solutions to personal challenges.
Some visitors reportedly spent nights at the site after the owner of the land, Paul Bukenya, claimed that the tree had miraculously returned to an upright position three years after falling and later began communicating with him.
Bukenya claimed the tree warned him against cutting it down, saying it had a protective role over the surrounding community.
However, as crowds gathered, individuals claiming to be traditional healers reportedly began operating at the site, with allegations that some were demanding money from desperate members of the public in exchange for spiritual assistance.
During a visit to the site, Nansamba said her office intervened after receiving complaints that some individuals were exploiting public curiosity and vulnerability.
“We have closed this place to establish the truth. If there is anything genuine about the claims being made, our investigations will determine that. We also want to stop individuals who are exploiting members of the public,” she said.
Nansamba said the investigations would establish whether there was any spiritual significance attached to the tree or whether the claims were being used to deceive people.
The closure was welcomed by several residents, including musician Hassan Ndugga, who said the area had increasingly attracted people masquerading as traditional healers.
During the operation, members of the public confronted a man identified only as Bamweyana, who was allegedly presenting himself as a traditional healer at the site. He reportedly escaped an attempted assault by an angry crowd.
Authorities also discovered two snakes in the area surrounding the tree. The reptiles were killed and burnt, ending speculation among some visitors that they were linked to the alleged mysterious events.
Nansamba urged members of the public to remain cautious and avoid rushing to conclusions based on unverified claims.
Residents have since appealed to authorities to extend similar monitoring operations to other shrines and individuals they accuse of exploiting vulnerable people in Lwengo District.