The much-anticipated Rwenzori Theluji Festival 2024 kicked off with vibrant energy on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Rwenzori Square in Kasese Town, Kasese Municipality. The day began with a symbolic tree seedling distribution to the local community, followed by an exhilarating hike to the summit of Fataki Hill, one of the foothills of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Standing at 1,890 meters above sea level, the climb offered a breathtaking experience for hikers, despite its demanding nature.
The community enthusiastically participated in the regreening campaign, aimed at conserving the Rwenzori Mountains through a bold initiative to plant six million trees across the region. The picturesque slopes of Fataki Hill, with their terraced gardens of local crops, provided a unique and captivating view for tourists.
While the challenging terrain proved too much for some, many hikers pushed through under the scorching mid-morning sun, determined to reach the summit. Upon arrival, they planted various fruit trees, including guava, mango, jackfruit, and eucalyptus.
“In the future, every person who hikes the Rwenzori Mountain ranges will enjoy the fruits we’re planting today,” said Mr. John Baguma, General Secretary of the Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF).
Residents were given free seedlings to plant in their homesteads to combat climate change and promote biodiversity. The event organizers, sponsors, and local community aim to plant 50,000 trees in this phase, with the ultimate goal of reaching six million.
Those who made it to the top of Fataki Hill were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Kasese Town, the Kasese Cobalt Industry, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake George, and the rolling Rwenzori Mountains.
The excitement continued on Friday, September 7, with a bustling exhibition at Rwenzori Square, drawing crowds from Kasese, across Uganda, and beyond. Businesses, cultural conservationists, and small-scale farmers showcased a wide range of goods and services available in Kasese.
At the Rwenzori International Hotel, a series of discussions and workshops highlighted the investment opportunities in the region, from tourism to agriculture. Organizers, including KTIF, NGOs, and government agencies, emphasized the untapped potential for economic growth in the area.
Women entrepreneurs in the Rwenzori Region were offered the chance to access affordable government loans through the Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women program (GROW), a World Bank initiative aimed at empowering women to build resilient businesses.
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The festival concluded with a vibrant Cultural Caravan, a 20-kilometer walk through the streets of Kasese Town. The parade, which attracted thousands of participants, brought the town to a standstill and celebrated the region’s rich cultural diversity.
The Rwenzori Theluji Festival is a unique event that unites the people of Kasese through tourism, economic growth, cultural pride, biodiversity conservation, and a shared commitment to peace and security.
