A tree aged more than 150 years at Kyambogo University where Kabaka Mutesa I hosted Henry Morton Stanley in 1875 came down during the Monday night heavy downpour.
The Canarium tree, commonly known as Omuwafu, was located at Kyambogo Hill in front of the Technical Teacher Education building on Teachers Road.
It is believed that under the tree is where the Kabaka Muteesa I’s palace was sited. The tree has been providing shade to students during discussion time and cultural meetings, especially for the Baganda Nkobazambogo Student’s Association as well as yielding edible fruits known as Empafu.
Under the Omuwafu is believed to be where the King of the Buganda, Kabaka Mutesa I hosted Henry Morton Stanley in 1875 and wrote a letter to the Queen of England inviting the missionary teachers. The Missionaries played a significant role in shaping Uganda’s education system by establishing schools and promoting literacy.