About Us

Fred Mutebi and his brother Stephen Kamya started the Bukomansimbi Organic Tree Farmers Association (BOFTA) on 7 acres of family land that became the home of this community association and where a range of activities can be carried out to regenerate the surrounding region. They were motivated by a passionate belief in the importance of indigenous trees in improving soil health, crop yields and in supporting the creative and cultural sector in Uganda.

​

Uganda saw  a 40% loss in forest cover between 1990 to 2015 alone: indigenous trees are being cut down to be replaced by industrialised agriculture or non-indigenous agroforestry initiatives such as eucalyptus plantations, which drain the soil of nutrients and moisture. Additionally highly skilled barkcloth processors are passing away without their children continuing the tradition.

 

“We have less than 100 masters  left in Uganda. We are losing a generation of experts who have for ages been making barkcloth for passion rather than just money, which has sustained the craft up to today.” Fred Mutebi

​

Activities include the propagation of  mutuba tree seedlings, training the youth in bark cloth processing, as well as  providing  space for national and international researchers, artists and designers. The centre demonstrates how to integrate food crops with mutuba trees, as well as holding community gatherings for educational purposes.