Ugandan Hot Springs

The Kitagata hot springs (also known as the Mulago hot springs as there are in fact two adjacent springs) are natural hot springs fed by the River Ngaromwenda that reach a temperature of some 80 degrees centigrade and were first discovered in 1904. Widely believed to have healing powers, the hot springs are visited by many hundreds every day and first gained popularity after being frequented by the king (Omugabe) of the Ankole Kingdom who attested to their healing properties. As such the locals refer to the spring as "Ekyomugabe" ~ the Kings Spring. Indeed analysis of the water in the hot springs reveal it to contain sodium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium sulphate, calcium sulphate, calcium phosphate and magnesium chloride all of which are noted for their medicinal purposes. However there is no clinical evidence to support claims that these Ugandan hot springs heal bad acne, cancer and other terminal illnesses as claimed locally and recent research undertaken by "Save for Health Uganda" suggested that the springs actually don't have any healing powers at all. That wasn't enough to convince even nurses from nearby Kitagata hospital who drink the water when contracting diseases from patients.

If you visit these Ugandan hot springs (map below) be mindful not to take photographs as there are many nude and semi-nude people there luxuriating in the water and also remember that there is a fascination with "muzungus" and even more so with stripped down ones so you may experience some touching you would prefer not to especially after night falls when, in general, the clothes come off.