* *By John Kusolo*
On September 18th, Mbale City celebrated World Bamboo Day in a ceremony marked by both remembrance and hope for the future. The event, held at Mbale City Hall, served as a dual commemoration of World Bamboo Day and the memorial of the devastating flash floods that struck Mbale in July 2022. The natural disaster claimed the lives of over 26 people and left a profound impact on the city, particularly along the Nabuyonga River, where many of the lives were lost.
*A Day of Reflection and Action*
The Likono Lye Bamasaaba for Development Initiative (LLBDI), in collaboration with Inzu ya Masaba and the Mbale City Council, spearheaded the event to raise awareness of the vital ecological and economic benefits of bamboo. It also aimed to highlight the growing need for environmental sustainability in the face of mounting climate challenges, such as the flash floods that devastated the city last year.
The event concluded with a symbolic bamboo tree-planting ceremony along the Nabuyonga River at the Kumi Road bridge—an area particularly affected by the floods, where 13 people tragically lost their lives. This ceremony was led by Umukuuka III of Inzu ya Masaba, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, alongside local leaders and residents.
*Hon. Richard Wanda’s Call to Action: The Untapped Potential of Bamboo*
One of the key speakers at the event, Hon. Richard Wanda, MP for Bungokho Central in Mbale District, delivered a powerful speech on the importance of embracing bamboo cultivation and its far-reaching benefits for both the environment and the economy.
Highlighting the versatility of bamboo, Wanda explained, "There are 1,718 species of bamboo, and over 10,000 products can be derived from it." These products range from food, such as the locally beloved Malewa (dried bamboo shoots), to a wide array of construction materials, energy products, paper, textiles, and even medicine. He further emphasized that bamboo could significantly contribute to Uganda's growing efforts to combat climate change, given its remarkable ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen in large quantities.
"We want people to embrace bamboo planting because it produces a significant amount of oxygen and absorbs a lot of carbon dioxide. By planting trees, we can also combat climate change and protect our soil," Wanda stated. His remarks echoed the event’s broader environmental focus, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable land use practices in the region.
*Bamboo as a Tool for Community Development*
In addition to its environmental benefits, Hon. Wanda also highlighted bamboo's potential for spurring community development and economic growth. The vast range of products derived from bamboo could lead to the creation of sustainable industries, providing jobs and income for local communities. Wanda urged residents to consider the many uses of bamboo, from its application in building materials and handicrafts to its role in renewable energy production.
His remarks came at a critical time for the Mt. Elgon region, where population density, combined with traditional land-use practices, has left the area vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, and other climate-induced disasters. By promoting bamboo cultivation, Wanda hopes to see the region transition to more sustainable land management practices, which would not only improve the environment but also provide economic stability for local residents.
*A Vision for Bamboo Planting in Mt. Elgon and Beyond*
The importance of bamboo in both conservation and development was echoed by Professor Kiboma Gimui, who laid out a strategic vision for expanding bamboo cultivation along the boundaries of Mt. Elgon National Park. Professor Gimui stressed that increasing bamboo production in these areas could help to reduce ongoing conflicts between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and neighboring communities, who often face restrictions in accessing park resources. He also called on UWA to allocate land for these initiatives, envisioning a future where bamboo could serve as both a buffer between the park and human settlements and a source of economic prosperity for local communities.
*The Role of Leadership and Unity*
In his keynote address, Umukuuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, praised the efforts of LLBDI and other stakeholders in pushing forward the bamboo agenda. He pledged his support for the initiative, stating, "As your cultural leader, I will assist in securing funding and resources, offer technical support, and help in developing sustainable bamboo industries." He stressed the importance of involving young people in these efforts, acknowledging their role as the next generation of stewards for the environment.
Hon. Wanda’s call for unity also resonated with the community. He urged the Bamasaba people to put aside internal conflicts and focus on development initiatives, particularly those aimed at environmental conservation and economic growth. His plea was well-received, as attendees acknowledged the urgent need for cooperation in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
The commemoration of World Bamboo Day and the flash flood memorial served as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by climate change and unsustainable land use practices. However, it also provided a hopeful vision for the future—one where bamboo cultivation could lead to both environmental restoration and economic development for the people of Mbale and beyond.
The leadership of figures like Hon. Richard Wanda and Umukuuka III, alongside the efforts of organizations like LLBDI, has set the stage for a concerted effort to promote bamboo planting in the region. If embraced, these efforts could transform the landscape, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier, more resilient environment.
As the people of Mbale continue to recover from the devastation of the 2022 floods, they do so with the knowledge that bamboo could be key to preventing such disasters in the future—while also providing a pathway to sustainable economic development.
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