Uganda: How River Rwizi Destruction Has Left Mbarara in a Mess

                               Human activities has significantly reduced the water levels of the Rwizi River.

Fond memories of River Rwizi in its heydays run through Prof Elly N. Sabiiti's mind every time he touches base with Mbarara District.

During his early days, Prof Sabiiti who went to Mbarara High School for his studies, says the river used to froth at some points, an act that attracted him and his peers to learn how to swim.

According to Prof. Sabiiti, the vegetation around the river was very thick, a thing that attracted thousands of wild animals, including birds that made memorable melody chants in the morning and evening.

The thick vegetation made mainly of papyrus and other wetland grasses acted as water filters, catchment and regulated flooding in the area, which are some of the uses of wetlands.

"We would swim and drink this water without boiling while we grazed cattle and it was okay. The water was very clean," Prof Sabiiti, 65, says.

Other resources like firewood, roofing materials and water for animals were in abundance, he adds.

"In 1950s, Mbarara was like Europe. It was very cold with plenty of fog in the morning. You could barely see anything a metre away because of the fog in the morning. I wish we could restore this river and go back to those days," he pleads.

Prof Sabiiti's recent visit to the area treated him to reality. Things are falling apart so fast, with visible indicators that the river may dry up in the near future should human activities continue to go on unabated.