Uganda's government is committing 70 billion shillings to develop tourism infrastructure in the Rwenzori Mountains, focusing on improving safety and accessibility for climbers, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities said. The investment will include climbing ladders, boardwalks, resting shelters and tourist camps along routes to the mountain peaks, according to Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry. The improvements aim to address long-standing challenges climbers face, including steep terrain, limited resting facilities and inadequate shelter from freezing temperatures at high altitudes.
Visitor numbers to Rwenzori Mountains National Park have been rising, increasing from 7,703 in the 2023/2024 financial year to 10,483 in 2024/2025, according to George Businge, the senior warden of the park. This represents an increase of approximately 36 per cent. Tourism officials believe the improved facilities will strengthen the destination's appeal as visitor numbers continue to grow.
Beyond mountain climbing, the ministry is promoting coffee tourism in Kasese to diversify the region's attractions and encourage longer visitor stays. Katusiime said the government wants to position coffee tourism alongside the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving visitors more activities and encouraging them to spend more on accommodation, transport, food and locally produced goods. The strategy aims to create additional economic opportunities for communities in the region.