Together with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, UNDP and Tooro Kingdom, the Uganda Tourism Board has embarked on the promotion of sustainable adventure tourism under the Campaign ‘Conserving Mountain Ecosystems’ to highlight the beauty and splendor of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges as one of the remaining equatorial glaciers in the world.
Part of the campaign activities include a 10-day Rwenzori Royal Expedition to the Margherita peak led by His Majesty – Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV to draw attention to the impact of climate change, the significant role of environmental conservation and the promotion of the Rwenzori Mountains as a unique adventure tourism attraction.
The Rwenzori mountains are the highest non-volcanic, non-orogenic mountains in the world. The Margherita Peak being the highest point of the Ruwenzori reaches 5,109 metres (16,762 ft) and the mountain range’s upper regions are permanently snow-capped and glaciated.
One of the most visible consequences of climate change in Uganda is the rapid loss of glaciers, which have reduced from 6.5 square kilometers in 1906 to less than one square kilometer in 2003. These Rwenzori glaciers will disappear before the end of this century.
“There is an urgent need to preserve the crown of snow on the Rwenzori Mountains. Therefore, we must be prepared to tackle the effects of climate change on our beautiful country today.” – Owekitinisa Joan Kantu Else, Minister of Tourism – Tooro Kingdom.
The Rwenzori Ecosystem remains a great contributor to tourism development and its with no doubt it was named as a UNESCO World heritage site in 1994 and later as a Ramsar Site in 2008 due to its unique beauty and vegetation zones. It is home to 54 Albertine rift endemic species; 18 mammal species, 09 reptile species, 06 amphibian and 21 bird species and over 217 Bird species.
Speaking at the event, Chairman Board of Directors, Uganda Tourism Board, Hon Daudi Migereko, said, “The Rwenzori Royal Expedition 2022 will not only create awareness on the restoration and protection of areas affected by climate change, but also to drum up support for culture and heritage tourism promotion in our beautiful country.”
Therefore, the expedition has highlighted the untapped tourism product development opportunities available in the Rwenzori region that will offer an adventure of a lifetime to travellers from all over the world while in Uganda – The Pearl of Africa.
The “Conserving Mountain Ecosystems” Campaign is a perfect fit for the promotion of adventure tourism in Uganda following the brand launch and roll out in the domestic tourism market. It is a bespoke campaign that targets a niche market segment of nature lovers, filmers, birders, adventure tourism enthusiasts that are keen on exploring Uganda to experience an adventure of a lifetime. The Campaign will generate remarkable marketing content to be placed on leading adventure tourism and travel media around the world.
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