Caridina nilotica (P. Roux, 1833) is redescribed and its distribution restricted to the River Nile catchment area, although confirmation is required of the presence of this species from the Blue Nile. Material identified as C. nilotica from outside this African area requires clarification and probably belongs to other species of Caridina. Two independent collections of atyids from Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda, which is not part of the Nile catchment, were re-examined and found to comprise four new Caridina species. These are described and illustrated, and a key is provided distinguishing the new species from C. nilotica.