Location
The Kitagata Hot Springs are located in Sheema District, Western Uganda. They are approximately 1.5 kilometres by road, east of Kitagata urban center in Sheema District.
The springs are also about 72 kilometres west of Mbarara Town. They are two hot springs adjacent to each Ekyomugabe and Mulago. The springs are 350 km from Kampala City.
The hot springs are commonly known as ‘Mulago Hot Spring’ as they are believed by local people to have healing powers.’ Mulago’ means hospital. On a daily basis, so many people with different ailments flock to the springs to bathe in the warm water. The water in the springs can warm up to 80 °C (176 °F). It is estimated that about 800 people visit the springs per week.
Vegetation and scenery
The scenery around the springs includes conical hills and beautiful green vegetation of trees and grass.
Source of water
River Ngaromwenda supplies water to the springs.
Rules
In order to ensure orderliness and hygiene at site of the spring the following rules have been put in place by the local leaders:
- No fighting, no making noise, no smoking and no use soap;
- Children have to be dipped in dressed in their nappies.
Minerals
The water from springs has been found to contain varying amounts of minerals and chemicals which are known to have medicinal values in them. The minerals and chemicals include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium sulphate, calcium sulphate, calcium phosphate and magnesium chloride among others.