Nakayima Tree is one of the strongest and oldest ancient trees in Uganda, found on Mubende hill in Mubende district about 200 kilometers from Kampala capital city of Uganda on the highway of Kampala – Fort portal road after Mityana district and its about 4 kilometres from Mubende town to reach the Nakyima tree. The tree is believed to possess spiritual powers that heal people, provide wealth and fertility and it stands at about 40 meters high with strong roots which serve as the shrine and it’s believed to be 400 – 500 years of age and existence.
The Nakayima tree derives after the wife of the Bachwezi ruler Known as King Ndahura who was believed to be roaming around the tree and suddenly disappeared in the tree thus its name Nakayima. The Bachwezi people were believed to be Demi gods in the way they just disappeared, they didn’t just die natural that’s according to history.
Ever since that that incident, the tree is believed to possess healing powers such as against infertility, disease among other complications. This explains why several locals and people from a far flock the tree pursuit of such great relief. Nakayima tree is visited by traditionalists and people of all kinds from all over the country who come to offer Sacrifice to the tree in exchange of blessings like fertility, riches and good health from Bachwezi goddes who were believed to possess supernatural powers. It’s also believed that the bigger the offering the bigger the blessings so people bring offerings ranging from coins, drinks to animals like goats and cows The tree still shows the ancient African beliefs despite the coming of Christianity and modernity and is still a spiritual home for the Chwezi goddess which is respected by Baganda and Banyoro.
Nakayima was believed to be not only a keeper of the tree but a mediator between people and Ndahura the King of Chwezi dynasty through which the spirits would communicate. Nakayima tree also had mystic powers to bless barren women with children, cure and treat small pox victims back to full health and would be able to treat other diseases that were difficult to be treated by any one in community.
The tree with its strong roots has formed spaces between them and these are called rooms by believers. Each room is assigned a certain spirit like Ndahura, Nalongo Jajja Mukasa, Kilunda and Jajja Musoke. The area is managed by priestess or witches who smoke pipes of Tobacco or Marijuana believing that it allows them communicate to the spirits. There are guides to take you around, who have the knowledge about the history and beliefs of the tree that take you through every information about this oldest tree. A small fee will be required before guiding you around.
Nakayima tree sits on Mubende hill where excellent views of the town are got. The hill is flat topped like a table which is claimed to have been a fort for the Chwezi dynasty between 1350 – 1400 and was an official residence of Nakayima, a princess to Ndahura who was the last king of the empire. It’s about 4 kilometers from Mubende town up hill, so visitors interested in Uganda cultural heritage and history can take a day tour or can make it a stopover before proceeding on your Uganda Safari to Fort portal and Kibale national park.