The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MTWA) has announced the government’s commitment to prioritize the development of mountaineering as a globally competitive tourism product within Uganda. This initiative specifically targets the enhancement of tourism infrastructure around Mt Rwenzori, popularly known as the Mountains of the Moon.
Mt Rwenzori, standing at 16,795 feet (5,109 meters) above sea level and adorned with snow-capped peaks, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its unique flora and fauna, it holds the distinction of being the only mountain with snow on the equator. The mountain is located within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
As part of this initiative, the government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MTWA), in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), has identified various infrastructure improvements necessary for enhancing tourism at Mt Rwenzori.
A significant allocation of funds amounting to 10.7 billion Ugandan shillings has been directed towards the revamping and expansion of mountaineering infrastructure at Mt Rwenzori. This substantial investment aims to attract more tourists to the area.
A contract worth 10.7 billion Ugandan shillings was awarded to M/s Muhindo John and Friends Ltd on April 18. The contract encompasses the construction and enhancement of boardwalks and trails, with a focus on improving the central circuit trail. The project was officially launched at Mihunga, the main gate of the mountain, on April 26.
Samuel Kakula Kirome, representing the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary at the project handover ceremony, expressed satisfaction with the increased visitor numbers to the National Park, which have surpassed pre-COVID-19 figures.
The infrastructure improvements include the construction of 12,889 meters of boardwalks and enhancements to a 15-kilometer section of the central circuit trail. Various boardwalks along the central circuit trail are slated for improvement, along with upgrades to key areas such as Mitinda Boggy Area, Butau, and Kachope Boggy Area.
The project also entails the construction of new facilities, including climbing ladders, boardwalks, resting shelters, helipads, campsites, bridges, accommodation rooms, visitor information centers, office buildings, and parking spaces at Mihunga.
Additionally, the initiative will incorporate features such as bird-watching platforms, rescue and safety equipment, communication facilities, and capacity-building programs for stakeholders and service providers.
The interventions build upon existing developments, including previously constructed boardwalks and climbing ladders along the Kilembe and Central Circuit trails, as well as accommodation facilities at Nyabitaba and ongoing construction at the Elena Camp.
Bernard Masereka, CEO of Muhindo John and Friends Ltd, pledged to deliver quality work and revealed plans to employ approximately 4,000 skilled workers from Kasese district during project execution.
Erifazi Muhindi Bukombi, the Kasese District Chairperson, commended the government for selecting Mt Rwenzori as a beneficiary of the project while urging the contractor to uphold high standards of workmanship.
Lt. Joe Walusimbi, the district Resident District Commissioner (RDC), assured the Ministry of his commitment to overseeing the project to ensure value for the government’s investment. He also reassured stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry regarding the restoration of security in Kasese district and along the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, following recent security incidents.
