Mount Rwenzori is a snow-capped mountain with Margherita as its highest peak. Many explorers believed it to be the legendary “Mountains of the Moon” because of its ice that never melts throughout the year. On sunny days, the glaciers melt and feed the lakes and rivers, making the waters very cold. This is why there is little or no aquatic life in the lakes and rivers of Mount Rwenzori.
Some rivers of Mount Rwenzori flow from areas that are always receiving rainfall and snowfall. The constant snow and ice on the southern circuit of the mountain have led to the formation of several rivers. River Nyamwamba is one of the main rivers. It starts from the foothills of the mountain and flows through the towns of Kasese and Kilembe. This river often floods during rainy seasons, causing damage to property, but later drains into Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lake George connects to the Kazinga Channel in the Albertine Rift Valley.
River Mubuku, on the eastern side of the mountain, is very important for hydroelectric power in Uganda. It flows through Mubuku Trading Centre in Kasese District. Unlike River Nyamwamba, it rarely floods. River Mubuku has tributaries like Sebwe, which supply water for irrigation in the Mubuku Irrigation Scheme. Several dams have also been built along this river to generate electricity.
River Rwimi is found in the southern circuit of the mountain. It forms a natural boundary between Kasese Town and Bunyangabu District. Like River Nyamwamba, it drains into Lake George, raising the water levels of the lake. River Lamia is smaller but flows through the Semuliki Valley and pours into the Semuliki River, which feeds Lake Albert.
River Mpanga is different from the others. It does not flow directly from Mount Rwenzori but from the nearby highlands at the foothills. It passes through Fort Portal City, Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Kibale National Park, and finally into Lake George.
Other rivers in the area include:
- Nyamugasani River
- Rwanoli River
The rivers of Mount Rwenzori add to the natural beauty of this mountain and play an important role in the lives of the people and wildlife around them.
