The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has intensified efforts to position Uganda as a credible and competitive adventure tourism destination following an intensive safety and rescue capacity-building training for frontline staff at Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
The Training of Trainers programme targeted 20 key personnel, including tour guides, rangers, porters and cooks. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at equipping at least 1,000 frontline workers operating within the park with internationally recognised safety and rescue skills.
Participants underwent specialised instruction in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, Wilderness Advanced First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The training focused on strengthening tourist safety, enhancing professionalism and improving emergency response during mountain trekking expeditions in the Rwenzori ranges.
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Speaking during the training, Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Hakiiza said the programme is designed to harmonise rescue procedures and enhance the overall visitor experience.
“This training is meant to standardise visitor rescue methods and ensure that all frontline staff are equipped with practical skills in wilderness first aid and emergency response. Our goal is to promote safer climbs, improve professionalism and build confidence among international visitors who choose Uganda for adventure tourism,” he said.
He added that strengthening human resource capacity is critical in building trust with global travellers and enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in the adventure tourism market.
“When visitors know that safety protocols meet international standards, it increases their trust in our destination. Ultimately, this contributes to improved visitor satisfaction and growth in tourism revenues,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Senior Park Warden at Rwenzori Mountains National Park, George Businge, reported a steady rise in tourist arrivals, attributing the growth to improved marketing strategies, infrastructure upgrades and enhanced safety assurance measures.
According to park records, the park received 7,703 visitors in the 2023-2024 financial year.
This increased to 10,483 visitors in the 2024-2025 financial year, reflecting growing global interest in the Rwenzori as a premier mountaineering destination.
“The increase in visitor numbers demonstrates that our investment in safety, infrastructure and promotion is yielding positive results. We remain committed to maintaining high standards to ensure the Rwenzori experience remains both safe and memorable,” Businge said.
Commonly referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori ranges are renowned for their snow-capped peaks, unique alpine vegetation and challenging trekking routes.
Authorities say sustained investment in safety training and professional development will further consolidate the park’s status as one of Africa’s leading mountaineering destinations, positioning Uganda’s adventure tourism sector for continued growth.
