This article was first published in Toto Magazine on April 7, 2021
A six-year-old boy from Kabale district is on a mountain-hiking challenge aimed at raising funds for providing sanitary pads for vulnerable girls in Uganda. Ray Tumuhimbise, commonly known as Little Ray, has set a record in Uganda’s tourism sector as the youngest hiker ever. He is a Primary One pupil at Kid Care Junior School in Kyengera, Wakiso district. Tumuhimbise became popular after climbing the Mountains of the Moon. He later climbed Mount Muhabura in less than nine hours. Job Namanya met him on another trek of Mt. Sabinyo, the oldest volcano in the Virunga ranges in Kisoro district.
What inspired you to start hiking?
I started hiking from our farm in Lwengo district. I used to trek small hills. My dad, Simon Tumuhimbise, used to tell me that I would be a great hiker. He encouraged me to try out hikes on Mt. Rwenzori, Muhabura and Sabinyo.
Do you find it interesting?
Hiking is fun and I enjoy it a lot. I cannot wait to go for another mountain experience.
Tell us more about raising funds to buy sanitary pads
I was chosen by the Kupata project from Scotland as their brand ambassador. They want to provide sanitary pads for vulnerable school-going girls.
What gives you the energy while hiking?
Whenever I am wearing nice sneakers, somehow I know that I will complete the journey.
Do you at times feel tired when hiking?
Sometimes I feel very weak and unable to continue, but dad encourages me to move on. I then find myself at the top of the mountain.
Which other mountains would you like to hike?
I want to try climbing Mt. Elgon, Mt. Nyiragongo in DR Congo and Mt. Rwenzori. I am sure that I will do that soon.
Do you train for these challenges?
Yes. My dad usually takes me for early morning jogging. Sometimes, we hike together the hills in our neighbourhood.
A message to children who would like to hike?
I encourage fellow children to take part in such adventures because they are fun. I learn a lot of things on these trips.
