Kitagata has two hot springs adjacent to each other approximately 50 sq. km According to the locals, one of the springs was used by the former Omugabe (King of Ankole) and is known as Ekyomugabe. The other spring is believed to have healing powers and is known as Mulago.
The spring water can warm up to 80 °C (176 °F).
Kitagata is a vernacular for warmth and surrounding is dotted with small houses, some grass thatched, others roofed with corrugated iron sheets, which act as private rooms for patients to hire. The scene of people almost naked resting in water in a pond-like formation is the first to inform you that you have arrived at the healing place. Women and men of all ages seem to be enjoying the water.
People with ailments on the body dip in the water to get healed. If someone is having stomach problems, they draw the water directly from the burble source locally called Akaswonswo and let it cool to the temperature they can drink it.
It is indeed as busy as a hospital. As other patients come in, others go out, admitting themselves to the hospital and discharging themselves after treatment.
Location
The hot springs are located on the Ishaka–Kagamba Road, in Sheema District, Western Uganda.
Getting there
350kms west of the Ugandan capital Kampala, 72 kilometres by road, west of Mbarara
