Rwenzori Mountains the true source of River Nile – King Oyo

He made the claim on Sunday, August 7, while giving a speech to mark the conclusion of his 10-day Rwenzori Royal Expedition at his Palace in Fort Portal. The expedition was meant to throw light on the effects of climate change, call for environmental conservation and promote adventure tourism of the Rwenzoris.

King Oyo (Left) with a pal in the snow of the Rwenzoris Pulse

"Rwenzori is an iconic water tower and the true source of the River Nile. We therefore need urgent action to ensure that this ecosystem is protected. We need to preserve the biodiversity of the ecosystem that is home to some of Uganda's most unique species," the king said.

The monarch praised the beauty of the mountains on the edge of his Kingdom, saying that there were no words expressive enough to portray what it was like to climb the mountains of the moon to the highest peak, Margherita.

"Words alone cannot describe the exceptional beauty of the Rwenzori mountains. Ranging from the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, glacial lakes, V-shaped valleys, fast-flowing rivers, magnificent water falls and unique flora and fauna species within the mountain ecosystem.

"I led a team up the Rwenzori mountains to help justify the claim that Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa and to position Uganda as a unique mountain tourism destination," the king said.

The young king said he also did the expedition challenge to shed light on the receding glaciers which pose a threat to communities around the mountains.