Ker Kwaro Acholi Prime Minister urges protection of shea nut trees

25 June 2026, 8:06 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

The Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi has urged communities across the Acholi sub-region to stop cutting down shea nut trees, saying the indigenous species is vital for household livelihoods, environmental conservation, and the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.

Speaking during a recent gathering at Ogago Primary School in Bar Goma Village, Ogago Parish, Paiula Sub-county in Pader District, Mr Martin Okumu reminded local leaders that the Acholi Council of Chiefs had resolved that no one should cut down shea nut trees in the sub-region.

He said the council also resolved that anyone found cutting the trees should be arrested and handed over to police, with the National Forestry Authority and the Ministry of Water and Environment informed accordingly.

Mr Okumu noted that some of the shea nut trees in Acholi are estimated to be more than 50 years old, questioning what would have remained if previous generations had destroyed them.

He appealed to communities in areas where the trees still exist to protect them, explaining that a shea nut tree takes between seven and ten years to begin bearing fruit.

He warned that cutting down a mature tree that has taken decades to grow is a major loss, especially because shea nut trees do not easily regenerate like other species.

According to Mr Okumu, once a shea nut tree is cut down, it dies completely to the roots, making restoration difficult.

Highlighting the importance of the tree, he said the shea fruit has for generations served as food for families in Acholi, especially during times of hunger before meals are prepared.

He added that shea butter has also been used for generations in cultural practices and ceremonies, including the enthronement of cultural leaders.

Mr Okumu further observed that shea nut trees are found in only a few parts of Uganda, including Acholi, Madi, Lugbara and Alur in West Nile, as well as parts of Lango, Teso and Karamoja. He said this makes the species a valuable natural resource that communities should protect.

He questioned why people would destroy a tree he described as a blessing and a source of livelihood for the region.

The Prime Minister also credited Maj Gen Keith Katungi, the Fifth Infantry Division Commander, for introducing roadblocks before Aswa Bridge to help control the charcoal trade from East Acholi, which he said had become rampant and was contributing to environmental degradation.

Mr Okumu added that beyond Uganda, shea nut trees are also found in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, northern Cameroon and parts of South Sudan, underscoring their limited geographical distribution and the need for conservation.

He further noted that shea butter has been used for centuries and remains an important product with both cultural and economic value in the region.

The meeting brought together Lamogi cultural leaders, teachers and community members, including Rwot Otinga Atuka Otoo Yayi, the Lamogi clan chief, to witness the fulfilment of pledges earlier made by Rwot David Onen Acana II, the Paramount Chief of Acholi, to members of the Lamogi clan in East Acholi.