PAUL MWIJAGYE

KAMPALA, UGANDA - Following the appearance of a 6-meter crack in the glacier leading to the Margherita Peak, the highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has come up with an alternative route.

A crack (crevasse) appeared on the glacier leading up to the Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in April; obstructing ascent to the peak using the traditional route.

"The new route is shorter and easier because it avoids the steepest part of the mountain.

It now takes about 26 minutes to climb from the base of the glacier to the Margherita Peak.

Previously, it took up to 45 minutes to climb from the base of the glacier to the peak. The new route has been thoroughly tested and it is safe and secure for mountain climbers," noted Lillian Nsubuga, the Public Relations Officer UWA in a statement released last week.

She said there has been speculation that mountain climbers will no longer be able to climb up to the peak, 5,109m above sea level which is not true. "Uganda Wildlife Authority wishes to assure the public that mountain climbers will still be able to climb to the Margherita Peak following an alternative route that has been surveyed and opened up to circumvent the crack," the statement noted.

A diversion from the old route has been created at a point called Omwubutindo where ladders had been placed on rocks to ease movement on the glacier.

With the new route, the peak will now be approached from the western side.

"Uganda Wildlife Authority staff and officials from the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services will continue to ensure that mountain climbers have an unforgettable experience climbing to the top of the mountain," the statement further noted.

As the globe continues to warm up as a result of climate change, UWA anticipates more impacts on the Rwenzori Mountains glacier, and has put in place long term plans to open another route that will facilitate access to the Margeherita Peak through the rocky areas.

UWA is also diversifying the tourist experience by opening more tourism routes on the northern and southern ranges to maximize trekking and viewing of landscapes in the Rwenzori ranges.

Margherita is the highest peak in Uganda sitting on the ranges of Rwenzori Mountains.

It was named over 100 years ago in 1906 by an Italian Duke, Prince Luigi Armedeo de Savoia after the Queen of Italy, Margherita during a scientific expedition that the Duke led to the Rwenzoris.