Three Dead, Seven Injured After Branch Falls Off Nakayima Tree During Worship

Police in Mubende are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of three people who were struck by a dry branch from the Nakayima ancestral and cultural tree while worshipping under it.

Seven others, including two minors, sustained fractures and serious injuries during the incident, which occurred on December 4, 2024, at around 5:00 a.m. in Boma Cell, Nakayima Ward, West Division, Mubende Municipality, Mubende District.

The deceased have been identified as Nakabuye Annet, 45, a businesswoman and resident of Kasana Cell, Mukungwe Ward, Nyendo Town Council, Masaka City; Twebaze Evelyn, 39, a resident of Mikiisa Village, Bukambo Parish, Bukambo Subcounty, Bukomansimbi District; and one other individual who has yet to be identified.

Kawala Racheal, the PRO for the Wamala Region, stated that preliminary findings indicate the three victims were struck by a falling branch from the tree at approximately 5:00 a.m.

“We were informed about the incident at 7:00 a.m. by the chairperson of LC1 Boma Cell. An accident report was registered, and our task team, led by the DPC of Mubende, immediately responded to the scene. The injured victims were evacuated to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the same hospital for postmortem examination,” Kawala explained.

She added that the victims had travelled from various parts of the country to participate in annual celebrations, traditional thanksgiving, and worship events scheduled to take place on December 5, 2024, at the Nakayima ancestral tree.

Nakayima Tree, as known as Nakayima Tree Shrine, Nakayima witch tree, or Embuga ya Nakayima, is an ancient historical tree and cultural heritage site in Mubende District in Uganda. It is among the oldest tree in Uganda with its age over 650 years.

People come to the tree each year seeking blessings.