[3] Many swamps feed river Rwizi, including Nyakafumura, part of the Mushasha water basin, and Kanyabukanja wetland.

The dense vegetation of papyrus and other marsh grasses near River Rwizi worked as water filters, catchment, and managed flooding in the area in the early 1950s.

[6] The River Rwizi plays a crucial role in supplying water for both domestic and industrial purposes to various towns in the area, including Mbarara, Bwizibwera, Sanga, and Biharwe.

Various sources, including industries like the iron and steel sector in Kakoba and Mbarara, as well as hospitals, contribute to water pollution through the dumping of untreated waste products.

Addressing these challenges and implementing measures to conserve and restore the River Rwizi's health is essential to ensure sustainable water supply, preserve its ecosystem, and maintain its importance as a transportation route, fishing ground, and recreational area.

The people living around the river Rwizi engage in a variety of economic activities that take place along and within its vicinity.

One significant activity is farming, where the fertile land near the river has led the local community to encroach upon the wetlands for crop cultivation.

Utilizing the river sand, people in the area are involved in the creation of bricks, which are sold or used for constructing dwellings.

They gather papyrus from the river to craft mats, baskets, chairs, and ropes, providing them with a means of sustenance.

The Ngaro Mwenda Bridge, situated three kilometers off Kabale Road in Mbarara, serves as a significant crossing point over the river.

This deforestation causes soil erosion and siltation, which clogs the river and makes breeding difficult for fish.

Among these attempts are: Reforestation: To minimize soil erosion and siltation, trees are being planted in the river's catchment region.

Up to five million people rely on the river, including residents in Mbarara who have no other source of piped water but the Rwizi.

The invasive water hyacinth has added to the river's congestion from Ndeija in Mbarara District to Sango Bay in Rakai.

The inaugural marathon was held in 2022, and the revenues were used to clean and restore the River Rwizi by planting trees along its banks.