Jinja, Uganda.
A fierce legal battle has erupted in Jinja as environmental activists and concerned citizens take a stand to protect the iconic Mvule trees along Nile Avenue. In an attempt to prevent a Chinese construction company from cutting down these endangered trees, activists have filed a lawsuit against the Jinja City authorities and Zhongmei Engineering Group. This contentious case centers around the City Council’s resolution to permit the felling of eight Mvule trees, sparking widespread outrage among residents and conservationists.
The lawsuit, initiated by the civil society organization Environment Shield and lawyer Thomas Gawaya Tegulle, asserts that the removal of the Mvule trees poses a severe threat to the environment and disregards ecological, touristic, cultural, and legal considerations. Tegulle, who holds a deep personal and emotional attachment to these trees due to his childhood spent in Jinja, argues that they play a vital role in beautifying Jinja City, which is renowned as a major tourist destination in Uganda. Highlighting the significance of trees in the city’s tourism, educational, social, and cultural fabric, the plaintiffs vehemently oppose the planned deforestation.
The lawyer further contends that the justification for cutting down the Mvule trees under the guise of road reconstruction and drainage development is unfounded. Insisting that road drainage and tree preservation can coexist, Tegulle emphasizes the multiple benefits of trees, including their ability to filter air pollutants, provide shade, and reduce noise levels. Moreover, Robert Turyakira, the deputy executive director of Environment Shield, highlights the medicinal properties of Mvule trees, citing their traditional use in herbal remedies for various ailments.
