The last glacier: Renewed efforts to save the Rwenzori Mountains

High up in the Rwenzori Mountains, the majestic glaciers that once crowned this UNESCO World Heritage site are rapidly vanishing. Known as the "Mountains of the Moon," these peaks are not just a source of beauty but also a lifeline for the communities and biodiversity of Kasese District.

However, the effects of climate change are threatening this fragile ecosystem, putting livelihoods, wildlife, and a cultural heritage at risk.

Scientists and environmentalists have raised the alarm as the glaciers on the Rwenzori Mountains have been retreating at an unprecedented rate.

Historical records indicate that the ice caps, which once covered over 6.5 square kilometers in the early 1900s, now span less than 1 square kilometer.

“We’re witnessing the disappearance of an ancient feature,” says Alex Akwatampora, an environmentalexpert. "These glaciers are a direct indicator of climate change, and their loss will have cascading effects on the region."

Historical footage juxtaposed with current visuals paints a grim picture of what has been lost and what stands to be further diminished.

The Rwenzori Mountains are home to a unique array of flora and fauna, including species found nowhere else on Earth. However, as temperatures rise and habitats shrink, these species face an uncertain future.

Iconic plants such as the giant lobelias and groundsel trees are at risk, while endemic animals like the Rwenzori turaco and the three-horned chameleon are losing their habitats.

Conservationists warn that the loss of biodiversity will not only disrupt ecosystems but also undermine the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

Despite these challenges, efforts to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts are underway.

Local organizations and international partners are spearheading initiatives to restore the environment. Tree-planting campaigns, led by community groups, aim to replenish forest cover, which plays a critical role in maintaining local rainfall patterns.

“It’s not just about preserving the environment; it’s about safeguarding our future,” says Eriphazi Muhindi, the Lc5 chairperson Kasese.

The story of the Rwenzori glaciers serves as a microcosm of the global climate crisis. While local efforts are commendable, experts emphasize that tackling climate change requires collective action at the global level.

As the last remnants of the Rwenzori glaciers melt away, the message is clear: the time to act is now. Without urgent intervention, the "Mountains of the Moon" may lose their iconic ice caps, taking with them a vital part of Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage.