Tourism in the Rwenzoris doing well

Feb 12, 2007

SIR — A recent article portrayed the fact that tourism has declined in the Rwenzori Mountains. I wish to clarify that on the contrary, tourism has been increasing since the park was reopened in 2001.

SIR — A recent article portrayed the fact that tourism has declined in the Rwenzori Mountains. I wish to clarify that on the contrary, tourism has been increasing since the park was reopened in 2001. For instance, in 2006 a total of 948 tourists climbed the Rwenzoris.

Secondly, the Government never increased entrance fees to $600 as reported. The entrance fee was only increased from $20 to $25 per foreign tourist per day. And if a tourist stays for seven days, which is normally the case, he pays $150. It is also not true that $680 is paid to tour companies. Tourists only pay $500 for food, guides, porters and accommodation. This is paid to Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS), a community-based organisation.

I wish to add that Isaiah Kilingutsi, who is said to be the source of the information, is not the chairman of RMS as claimed, but just a guide, who could not know the total number of visitors who climb the Rwenzori Mountains.

The Rwenzori Mountains are a World Heritage Site. Only last year, we celebrated 100 years since the Abruzzi of Italy climbed this mountain in 1906. Many Italians came over and were joined by many prominent Ugandans.

Damian B. Akankwasa
Uganda Wildlife Authority
Kampala

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