Kisiizi Falls Launched As A Major Tourist Destination
Once a murder spot, today this place has turned into a tourist attraction that has given Kisiizi missionary hospital a lifeline. The waterfalls are accessed through Rukungiri from Kampala via Kebisoni or Muhanga, on the Mbarara-Kabale highway. 200years back, this place was referred to as a place of death as pregnant unwed girls died at this spot as punishment for the shame they had put their families into. Thanks to the coming of Christianity in the area, missionaries preached the word of God and explained that murder was a sin against God; then the community realized that it was not a good norm.
With the support from the Korean government and the Tourism ministry, a visitors center has been put up to beautify the Kisiizi waterfalls valley and the construction of a monument depicting the history of the waterfalls, construction of the walk ways and the Kisiizi cave has led to tourists flows in the area. Additionally, a monument was built at Kisiizi Water Falls and acts as is a major tourist attraction site. Kisiizi hospital has been the brain behind this project and Minister Kiwanda Geoffrey during the launch took time off to recognize the administrators for the wonderful initiative. He also said that Proceeds from tourism will generate income to supplement funding for Kisiizi Hospital.
The marvel on the path to Kyabamba River in Rukungiri district comes alive with the sound and sight of beautiful birds and flora. The bridge at the gorge enables tourists to view the waterfalls as well as take a nature walk along a zigzag foot path traversing the kisiizi gorge which is about 40ft away,- a proper view of the water falls. Besides the falls, the visitors’ center also offers tourists an opportunity for bird watching. The falls also hold a mini-hydro power dam that generates electricity for the hospital and community around it.
Droplets, hissing sound and the fast 30 meter drop of Kisiizi falls create spectacular views good for photography. The flora at the falls creates a perfect habitat for birds thus being a birder’s spot. Some of the birds around this area include African Black Headed Oriole, African Fire finch, African Harrier Hawk and African Paradise Fly-catcher. Others are African Pied Wagtail, African Pygmy Kingfisher and Augur Buzzard, among others. However, human agricultural activities that drain water of the swamps remain a serious challenge to tourism in Kisiizi. Local authorities have been appealed to regulate farming in wetlands so as to control water levels pouring into Kisiizi falls.
