How Ugandan people use green walls to keep cool – The Kampala Report

As Uganda struggles to meet its pledge of ending deforestation by 2050, Muyenga residents are reversing temperatures by planting green walls.

The residents of Muyenga community in Uganda have adopted a method of planting green vegetation and trees on their perimeter walls, helping to keep the community cool.

The hustle and bustle of Kampala on a Monday morning is quite hazardous to human mental health. Luckily for me, my assignment was to visit Muyenga and find out what sets it apart. I climb into a boda, and in a few minutes, I start to experience a lot of change. Both in the temperatures, scenery, and my mood, it was like time travel or a moment of grace.

For many years, the Muyenga neighbourhood, located on one of the hills of Kampala, has been famous for its organised setting and greenery. The locals call it a community of the rich. But how it derives such a nickname is not a money discussion.

Gasper Twinomujuni, a cab driver who stations next to the Kampala Forest Hotel in Muyenga, says that he has come to know why the rich prioritise trees and green vegetation.

‘’For us who work in this community, we enjoy the benefits; for me, even if the sun is scorching hot, I can’t feel it; there is a kind of fresh breeze that keeps coming through all day,’’ Gasper says.

He believes the reason why other communities are not like Muyenga is because the people that live there are poor and don’t know how to plan.

‘’The poor don’t think about trees; they want to utilise all the land; however, the rich know how to plan well for their land; look how they have planted trees everywhere; this place looks beautiful; every foreigner likes it’’, he adds.

A report by the World Bank reveals that climate change, along with rapid urban growth and the subsequent development of informal settlements, has had a major impact on Kampala’s natural environment.

Cooling Temperatures

Green walls are a very common sight in this community and something the homeowners here prioritise when constructing their structures, but it is more than meets the eye.

Green walls are simply vertical structures intentionally covered with vegetation.

According to research, green walls are energy-efficient as their plants reduce the overall temperature of buildings when exposed to the sun. This is not a new discovery; green walls date back to the 1930s.

Twinomurinzi Bruce, the proprietor of Divine Structures, strongly agrees with the fact that green walls reduce the temperature of a space.

‘’Apart from cleaning the air, there is something unique about a community that is more green. Such areas tend to have cooler temperatures and a vibrant appearance, and some people testify they benefit from the therapy nature brings, such as watching birds and the many other benefits.’’

Twinomurinzi believes this concept is not only for the rich, as many may think.

‘’Anyone can have a green wall by using planters and planting vertical plants that later form a thick wall or boundary. As long as someone wants it, they can have it. There are so many ways to do it,’’ he adds.

Bogan, pothos, green ivy, golden flower, and a variety of succulents are excellent species for creating green walls, as they create thick patterns moving upwards.

The Uganda National Household Survey 2019/2020 reveals that 7 million households in Uganda use land for farming and livestock rearing. Given the fast-rising population growth, Uganda’s National Adaptation Plan encourages environmentally friendly practices for a better future.

Bruce recommends homeowners take on fruit tree planting to enjoy the abundant benefits.

‘’If I were president for one year, I would make a law that whoever gives a plan approval must add planting trees, something that used to happen in Entebbe. Homeowners should take on more fruit tree planting both for environmental purposes and food security,’’ he advises.

Aesthetics, beauty, and a happy community.

Nuwagaba Emmanuel, an architect with Fino International, says that green walls are the perfect choice for adding aesthetics to any structure, especially public spaces.

‘’The uniqueness of green walls in any space is that they give a natural feel and add an aesthetic touch as they make the space more attractive and beautiful; however, if they are not well maintained, they may be a disadvantage,’’ he said.

Nuwagaba recommends green walls for spaces that are bigger in terms of square kilometres, because then one is able to plant the most effective plant species and cover more surfaces.

Although Emmanuel encourages green walls for public spaces, Norman M. (wwho preferred anonymity), a home owner along Namungo close to Munyenga, says that green walls are beneficial both to the community and households.

‘’As you can see, the walls are more green on the outside, the passersby’s enjoy the view, and the fresh air these green plants support us with. My wife and I were intentional about greening our home because we both love to hide away in the trees and think; additionally, our children are able to experience reality by seeing various bird species, chameleons, and sometimes rare insects,’’ he narrated.

Norman expressed his appreciation for Muyenga residents for setting a bona fide standard of living by keeping the neighbourhood green, safe, and clean, which many people admire.

Challenges.

James Omoi, a security guard at one of the homes in Muyenga, says that his boss’s intention for a green wall was to make his home more beautiful and private.

‘’I don’t understand the value of the green plants here except for giving us privacy, but I have eaten avocado, jackfruit, and mangoes from the fruit trees; every month is a season for a different fruit. At least I have benefited from the fruit trees,’’ James revealed

However, James is frazzled by the care and attention the plants seek.

‘’When it’s hot, you have to water them and trim them at least once every two months; that is the only hardship because as long as it rains, they are sorted. Apart from that, the residents steal them,’’ he tells

James further encounters a problem with residents who admire the plants and uproot them to plant in their homes, something that truly baffles him.

Growing concerns

Busulwa Ibra, a boda boda rider, says that there have been a lot of changes in the community, causing a lot of migration.

‘’Long-thriving residents are now moving to further areas where there is no congestion; that is the problem with having a good community because everyone wants to live here. Now we are seeing more bars erected instead of homes,’’ he emotionally narrates.

Asiimwe Joan, an urban planner with the Ugandan local government, says that Uganda’s physical planning emphasises green spaces, but citizens don’t adhere to the guidelines.

‘’On a standard residential 50 by 100 plot, a developer is supposed to utilise 70% and gazette 30% for greening. Greening means planting grass and trees, but many people pave their homes; others build 100% of the land and later suffer the consequences,’’ she says.

Asiimwe further notes that even public infrastructure should have trees on the roads, green spaces, and gardens for shade.

‘’If all people in Kampala would follow the guidelines, we would always have a fresh supply of fresh air year in and year out. A well-planned community with trees, green spaces, and green walls, among others, will easily avert the effects of climate change, such as heat waves’’. She concludes.