Uganda Wildlife Authority Promotes Tourism Through Mountain Climbing
Uganda Wildlife Authority in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism Trade and industry has embarked on the promotion of mountain climbing in four mountains in the country, the state minister in charge tourism has said.
Addressing journalists at Mihunga Park in Kasese District on Sunday, Mr Saerapio Rukundo identified the mountains as Muhabura, Elgon, Moroto and Rwenzori.
Mr Rukundo and other officials from the ministry toured Queen Elizabeth and Rwenzori National Parks to lay strategies on how to expand the tourism industry.
Mr Rukundo is reportedly the first minister to climb Mt Rwenzori up to Nyabitaba camp, which lies at 2650 metres above sea level and 7.5kms from Mihunga gate Nyakalengijo Bugoye in Kasese. Mr Rukundo said ladders and bridges shall be built so that tourists can have easy access to places they wish to visit.
"Tour guides must be knowledgeable of the area, good huts and other facilities like warm water be set up," Mr Rukundo said.
Mr Rukundo told the managers of the four mountainparks to supply equipment to assist in mountain climbing.
The senior warden in charge of Rwenzori National Park, Mr Nelson Guma said he intends to open up five tourists' routes with three in short term and the rest in the long term.
The routes will include; Kilembe in Kasese and Kazingo in Kabarole District. Others are; Kyahumba-Rwagimba leading to Bundibugyo and Kitholhu towards Margherita Peak.
Mr Guma said funds have been secured funds to reconstruct bridges which were washed way. According to Mr Guma, Rwenzori National Park has five huts with 75-bed capacity per night and receives close to 1000 visitors every year .
He said during the peak season the bed occupancy is just 55 per cent and intends to make it 100 per cent once the facilities are improved.
The warden also said they have plans to develop weekend packages for residents and expatriates visting the area.
