There are three main points of departure.
For the great circuit around the mountains, the starting point is Nyakalengija. This is only operated by RMS (http://www.rwenzorimounta...). They can arrange transport from Entebbe and Kampala. However, it is just as convenient to arrange yourself. Get to Fort Portal, travel south towards Kasese, where you cans pend the night and get some essentials. From Mubuku, 15 minutes north of Kasese, you can arrange transport past Bugoye power plant to the gate. If you drive, take west at the small, rundown powerstation, and continue the road till the end, safe parking. If you arrive here in the morning, guides, porters and everything will be arranged in a matter of an hour or two this is the good part of 80% unemployment. But DO bring your own mountaineering equipment. The quality of the guides vary, it is a good idea to get advise from travelers you may meet, though they are not many; appx. 500 tourists do this walk every year. This Norwegian blog may provide some additional input: Peder in Uganda
RMS also arranges one-day walks from Port Fortal across the ridge to Bundibugye, far less extreme walking, but you supposedly never really get the feeling of crossing the ridge, forested as it is.
Third alternative is the Rwenzori Community Walks (http://www.backpackers.co...), arranged by Backpackers in Kilembe, 12km west of Kasese. They arrange one and two-days walk at a fraction of the price, also they run a number of community development projects from the profits. Here you can also arrive in the morning and get everything organized, or make a phone call one day in advance. It is easy to arrange transport from Kasese til Kilembe, there are also a few buses. If you drive, the backpackers is in the far west end of Kilembe, accross the scary bridge and half a mile more. Safe parking.
