The Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda

Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP), famous for the Rwenzori Hiking Experiences is about 995 sq. km, is located in the four districts of Kasese, Kabarole, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo, which are found in western Uganda and borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The first forest management plan, written in 1948, prescribed strict protective management in view of the mountain’s role as Uganda’s largest and most valuable water catchment. A second management plan in 1961 continued to emphasize the importance of water catchment protection; however the extraction of traditional forest products such as firewood, bamboo, and specified types of timber were permitted.

Since the sixties, the mountain increasingly was threatened by the demands of a growing population. Cultivation of steeper land below the protected area boundary continued to cause serious soil erosion. Based on the above issues, National and International organizations and individuals noted and spotlighted the problems faced by the Rwenzori. This led to a Proposal for the Establishment of a National Park in the Rwenzori Mountains.

In 1991, the Rwenzori Mountains were gazetted as a National Park, affording total protection to all flora and fauna. Management was transferred from the Forest Department to Uganda National Parks, now Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) thereby accorded higher conservation status which regulates any form of exploitative use of resources. In 1994, in further recognition of its value to the international community, Rwenzori Mountains National Park was designated a World Heritage Site and RAMSAR site in 2009.