Uganda’s Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has invited investors to partner with the government in developing a cable car facility on the Rwenzori Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most scenic high-altitude ranges.
Speaking during the Uganda–UAE Business Forum in Kampala, Ggoobi said the project aims to make the Rwenzori experience more accessible to tourists who find it difficult to complete the full climb.
“We need an investor who can work with us to develop a cable car facility on Mountain Rwenzori,” Ggoobi said. “Many people want to come and hike that mountain, but they can’t climb the whole stretch of it. So, anyone who is interested, we shall provide all the necessary support.”
A cable car is an aerial lift system that uses suspended cabins or gondolas to transport passengers along cables between mountain stations. Common in major tourist destinations, such facilities offer visitors panoramic views and easier access to rugged terrains.
Rising to 5,109 meters (16,762 feet), the Rwenzori Mountains are Africa’s third-highest range, renowned for their snow-capped peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and rare alpine vegetation.
According to the Ministry of Finance, tourism remains one of Uganda’s top foreign exchange earners, contributing about USD 1.5 billion (UGX 5.6 trillion) in the FY2024/25 financial year. Visitor numbers are projected to grow further as the country promotes itself as an adventure and eco-tourism hub.
Ggoobi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing incentives and infrastructure support to any investor willing to take on the project.
“Our role is to make sure investors find a ready, supportive, and predictable environment,” he said. “We are open for business.”
If realized, the proposed Rwenzori cable car would be the first of its kind in East Africa, a landmark development expected to enhance Uganda’s tourism competitiveness and create new jobs for local communities in the Rwenzori region.
