MICHAEL N
Residents of Kanyakungu village, Itojo Parish, Itojo Sub-County, Ruhaama, Ntungamo District, were left stunned on 3rd October when a tree that had fallen three years ago seemingly rose upright again.
The tree, which fell in 2022, had long been lying across the land of Edward Rwomwani’s late father. According to Rwomwani, when the tree fell, they initially cut its branches and apex for firewood. However, certain circumstances later prevented them from further cutting the remaining stem, which eventually dried. To their surprise, on 3rd October, the tree’s remaining stem was found standing upright once more.
“This is the first time in my life that I have seen something like this,” Rwomwani told our reporter.
The unusual occurrence has drawn large crowds from across the region, with over 300 people reportedly visiting the site daily. Rwomwani and local leaders are now planning to fence the area and develop it as a tourist attraction. He added that some locals believe the tree might mark a holy place, reminiscent of the biblical story where Moses was told to remove his shoes while standing on sacred ground.
Mzee Silvano Kugambirwe, whose land houses the tree, expressed his astonishment, saying he had never witnessed anything like it in his lifetime. “When the tree fell, I wanted to cut timber from it, but the loggers never returned. Even the small stem we cut could not be split and remained here for a long time,” he said.
James Mafundo, 95, a lifelong resident of the area, also reflected on the mystery of the tree’s “resurrection.” He suggested a historical link, noting that the Bachwezi, an ancient community, once lived in the area. “Perhaps they are coming back to check on the land they left behind,” Mafundo mused.
Emmanuel Baguma, LC1 Chairperson of Kanyakungu Village, confirmed that the tree has turned the site into a local tourism spot. He highlighted the unusual positioning of the tree, which lies near a swamp and, rather than falling downward, appeared to rise upwards—adding to the fascination and mystery surrounding it.
With thousands flocking to witness the phenomenon, locals hope that preserving the tree will turn the site into a lasting tourist attraction while continuing to intrigue both residents and visitors alike.
