Uganda’s Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has called on investors to collaborate with the government in establishing a cable car system on the Rwenzori Mountains, one of Africa’s most spectacular and challenging high-altitude ranges.
Speaking at the Uganda–UAE Business Forum in Kampala, Ggoobi noted that while the Rwenzoris attract many adventure seekers, not all visitors are capable of completing the demanding hike to its snow-capped peaks.
“We need an investor who can work with us to develop a cable car facility on Mountain Rwenzori,” Ggoobi said. “Many people want to visit and hike the mountain, but they can’t climb the entire stretch. Anyone interested will receive full government support.”
Making the Rwenzoris More Accessible
A cable car is an aerial lift system that transports passengers in suspended cabins or gondolas, offering scenic views across rugged landscapes. Such systems are popular in major tourist destinations around the world, where they make remote areas more accessible and enhance visitor experiences.
If implemented, the Rwenzori cable car would open up the mountains to a broader range of travelers — including older visitors and those with limited physical ability — while also reducing foot traffic and environmental pressure on the fragile alpine ecosystem.
A Jewel of African Adventure
Rising to 5,109 meters (16,762 feet), the Rwenzori Mountains are the third-highest range in Africa and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are celebrated for their snow-covered summits, glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and distinctive high-altitude vegetation. The region is already a magnet for eco-tourists, hikers, and photographers seeking Uganda’s most dramatic natural scenery.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
Tourism remains one of Uganda’s leading sources of foreign exchange, generating approximately USD 1.5 billion (UGX 5.6 trillion) in the 2024/25 financial year, according to the Ministry of Finance. Visitor numbers continue to grow as the country markets itself as a top destination for adventure and nature-based tourism in Africa.
Ggoobi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating investment partnerships in the sector.
“Our role is to ensure investors find a ready, supportive, and predictable environment,” he said. “Uganda is open for business.”
A First for East Africa
If realized, the Rwenzori cable car would be the first of its kind in East Africa, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s tourism infrastructure. Beyond boosting accessibility, the project is expected to enhance Uganda’s global tourism competitiveness, create local employment, and promote sustainable development in the western highlands.
The proposed initiative signals Uganda’s growing ambition to blend conservation with innovation—making the Mountains of the Moon not only a destination for seasoned climbers, but also for travelers seeking to experience Africa’s mountain beauty in comfort and style.
