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The drainage system of Uganda portrays a dense texture
and is highly complex, especially in the western parts
of the country. It is mainly influenced by landscape
structure, as a result of the initial uplift of the African
surface in this eastern part of the continent; and then
the tectonic and volcanic activities that took place
during the later geological times. As result of initial
uplift of the African surface (plateau) the Uganda part
of the plateau is thought to have experienced gradual
tilt westwards. Consequently, most rivers were drained
westwards into the River Congo in Central Africa. Later,
with the formation of the uplifted shoulder of the
Western Rift Valley, the rivers became reversed to flow
along their courses into a down-warped axis to form lakes
Victoria and Kyoga.
Many rivers flow through valleys with an imperceptible
break in swamps from which water flows out in each
direction.
Many of the rivers, especially those of the west, flow
sluggishly in unusually wide valleys. The rivers of eastern
Uganda generally flow in the old courses and in their
original direction. The rivers of the rift escarpment became
rejuvenated along their lines and flow in their original
direction. Another effect on drainage is the formation
of mountains from which arise, a clear radial pattern of
drainage systems. The mountains serve as an important
water tower and perennial source of water for the
surrounding areas and beyond.
The combination of structure and rich drainage system
has made Uganda’s rivers to possess high potential
for hydro-electric power production, as most of them
pass through a series of falls and rapids. This provides
opportunities for environmental sustainability and
development since hydro power is a clean and cheap
energy. Additionally, it is a potential substitute to some
of the fossil fuel and fuel-wood energy sources to meet
needs in the country.
Water transport at Port Bell on Lake Victoria. In the recent past, the port area has been infested with an algae bloom suspected to be a result of
increased pollution from Kampala City in the immediate hinterland, through Nakivubo Channel, making the water dirty and smelly.
NEMA 2008
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