Rwizi River is the second longest river in Uganda after the River Nile. It starts in the hills of Buhweju district and flows through the districts of Bushenyi, Sheema, Ntungamo, Rwampara, Mbarara, Isingiro, Kiruhura, Lyantonde, Rakai, and Kyotera.
At the end of its course, the river flows into Lake Victoria. It is fed by swamps and wetlands such as Kanyabukanja wetland, Mushasha water basin, and Nyakafumura.
The river flows near Lake Mburo, a well-known tourist destination famous for its thick growth of papyrus, marshes, and grasses. These plants act as water filters, catch water, and helped control floods in the 1950s.
Today, Rwizi River is very important to the nearby communities. It provides water for homes and industries. However, the river faces many problems.
Climate change has caused parts of the river to dry up, lowering water levels and making water less available.
Water hyacinth, a plant that causes pollution by releasing too many nutrients, has spread in the river and harms fish and other water life.
People have also built too close to the river, damaging the natural land around it. Some people dump waste directly into the river, creating health risks.
The government is working to protect the river and its environment. They have started planting trees to stop soil erosion and silt from filling the river.
They are also controlling pollution by treating waste before it reaches the river.
In the past, Rwizi River was used by the Buganda kingdom as a transport route, making travel easier and providing water for farming.
During British rule, the river was controlled by building forts along it to control trade and movement.
After Uganda became independent, the country regained control of the river. Today, Rwizi River is used for transport and fishing by both local people and tourists.
It is important to solve the problems facing Rwizi River and protect its flow so that it can continue to support nature and people in the future.
Go on a 7-day safari in Uganda to see animals and nature.
