A team of nine Italians and 10 Ugandans climbing Mt. Rwenzori in Kasese District successfully arrived at Nyabitaba Hut, the first camp, on June 13.

The climb is in commemoration of 100 years since the Italian Duke of Abruzzi, Luigi Amedeo, became the first European to reach the highest peak on the mountain, on June 18, 1906. The climbers started their journey from Nyakalengijo and covered a distance of 6.4km, to Nyabitaba Hut, where they spent the first night

The Ugandan team that includes UPDF soldiers, is led by Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta, the Deputy Chief Commander and Inspector General of the Armed Forces, while the Italian team is led by Giuseppe Petigax, the great grandson of Joseph Petigax who was the Duke’s guide in 1906.

Giuseppe, 57, was overjoyed on the first day of climbing: “The forest and nature is amazing and unique. But the trek was difficult because it was warm and humid unlike the Alps.

Koreta said since his childhood, he had loved to climb Mt. Rwenzori. He said the exercise will help the soldiers in physical fitness.

Moses Mapesa, the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, said the centenary climb holds great significance to Ugandans for the conservation of it s tourism potentials.
Mapesa added that the Abruzzi trail in 1906 was the first scientific and mapping voyage that made the world understand the geology of the mountains, the glaciers and snow and their like.
Mapesa advised East Africans to visit the Rwenzori park once every year because the trails are now designated, unlike in 1906 when the Duke and his porters had to cut through the jungle.

Professional and amateur climbers can climb the Rwenzori. It is a healthy and beautiful experience.

BY NAMISI

Uganda Safari News