About AMA
Our Story.Our People.A Brighter Rwenzori.
For over three decades, AMA has been working with communities in the Rwenzori region to create opportunities, conserve the environment and build a better future.
Who We Are
Born in the Rwenzori. Built by the Community.
Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association (AMA) was established in 1992 in the village of Kazingo, Uganda. It was established with the purpose of benefiting the surrounding community and more specifically its farming community.
100% of revenues generated from AMA directly benefit Kazingo and Bundibugyo coffee farmers, local guides, and community initiatives. Our work is grounded in the belief that the people of the Rwenzori — the Abanya-Rwenzori — should shape the decisions that affect their lives and environments.
Legal Status
Registered in Bundibugyo District as a Community Based Organisation (CBO).
Phone: +256 772 621 397
Email: abanya_rwenzori@yahoo.com
Address: P.O. Box 835, Fort Portal, Uganda
"Stronger communities today, a brighter Rwenzori tomorrow."
What Drives Us
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To create a sustainable and inclusive society in the Rwenzori region by actively empowering communities, promoting economic empowerment, and conserving the environment.
Our Vision
A thriving Rwenzori region where communities are empowered, nature is protected, and a balanced ecosystem is maintained — a model for sustainable development.
30+
Years of Community Impact
Since 1992
15+
Communities Empowered
Across Rwenzori
20+
Development Projects
Implemented
100%
Community Purpose
Tour proceeds reinvested
"Sustainable Mountains. Stronger Communities."
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Integrity & Accountability
Highest ethical standards, transparent operation and responsible stewardship of entrusted resources.
Commitment to Social Justice
Prioritising the needs and rights of marginalised communities and creating equitable opportunity.
Empowerment
Helping individuals and communities become self-sufficient and take control of their own futures.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
We listen to, respect and value community ideas and aspirations — we are part of the community.
Human Rights & Dignity
Upholding the right to life, liberty and personal security in everything we do.
Diversity & Inclusivity
Welcoming people of all backgrounds and identities into our programmes and services.
Environmental Sustainability
Advocating responsible resource management and solutions that improve livelihoods while conserving nature.
Innovation
Seeking creative, evidence-led approaches through technology, research and partnership.
Our Journey
Three Decades of Milestones
Key highlights from our 30+ year journey in the Rwenzori region — delivered in partnership with communities.
AMA Founded in Kazingo
Established in Kazingo village to empower local mountain and coffee-farming communities through eco-tourism and primary education.
Women's Empowerment & Livelihoods
Launched traditional basket weaving and zero-grazing initiatives to build household income and nutrition for women.
Agroforestry & Conservation (RAP)
Completed the Rwenzori Agro-forestry Project, planting indigenous trees across river corridors in Bundibugyo.
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
Trained smallholder farming families in organic coffee cultivation, crop diversity, and kitchen garden management.
Community Health & Capacity
Implemented regional HIV/AIDS health strategies and funded nursing education now serving Bundibugyo Hospital.
Schools, Clean Water & Impact
Built Mount Gessi Primary School and Mughomba Water Gravity Flow Supply, 100% funded by tourism earnings.
Our People
Leadership & Guides Grounded in Community
Meet the dedicated founders, guides, and community leaders from Kazingo village and the Rwenzori region who drive AMA's mission every day.
Founder & Executive DirectorAzoli Bahati
Bakonzo Tribe · Lifelong Resident
Azoli is of the Bukonzo tribe and has lived in Uganda his entire life. He dedicated his life to non-profit work, which began by founding the first private primary school in the Rwenzori Mountains (now publicly funded). In 1992, he established AMA in Kazingo village to empower local mountain and coffee-farming communities.
Senior Tour GuideJosephat Karamagi
Bakonzo Tribe · Kazingo Village
Josephat works and lives in Kazingo village. Of the Bukonzo tribe, he is married with 3 children. Like many villagers, he is a subsistence farmer, small business owner, and experienced mountain tour guide leading treks across the Rwenzori range.
Community Conservation LeadEnock Masereka
Bakonzo Tribe · Environmental Coordinator
Enock coordinates community-driven forestry and conservation initiatives across foothill villages. He oversees indigenous tree nurseries, riverbank protection, and environmental stewardship training for young mountain guides and porters.
International Partnerships AdvisorBryan Johnson
Agro-Tourism & Sustainable Trade
Bryan works alongside AMA's leadership team to strengthen international partnerships, agro-tourism exchanges, and market linkages for Kazingo and Bundibugyo coffee farmers.
Where We Work
The Rwenzori Region, Uganda
Our community tourism and development activities are based in the Rwenzori region of Uganda, focusing on Bundibugyo, Ntoroko and Kabarole districts and the surrounding mountain communities.
Bundibugyo
HQ District
Ntoroko
Mountain Zone
Kabarole
Eastern Slopes
Rwenzori Region Operational Map
Bundibugyo Headquarters & Main CBO Office
Main Administration & Guide Dispatch
AMA's primary registration headquarters (CBO Reg No. 893). Coordinates foothill community projects, porter welfare, and trekking dispatches.
Be Part of Our Story