Lake Nabugabo - Uganda

Lake Nabugabo was formed as a result of sand dunes resulting from strong winds, this lake is separated from Lake Victoria by a sand bar.

The lake covers an area of 22,000 hectares and lies at 00°24’S latitude and 31°54’E longitude. It is a shallow freshwater lake 8.2 km long and 5 km wide. This lake is surrounded by the Loudetia swamp, especially to the north and has miscanthidium papyrus and sphagnum swamps.

Lake Nabugabo has a unique biodiversity.

1. Almost 300 plant species have been recorded, the catchment area  is home to two endemic flowering plants not found elsewhere, and 14 species in Uganda are known only in this area. The most striking character of the rare Nabugabo plants is the relative dominance of carnivorous plants.
2. Indigenous fish (Cichlidae) is recorded, three other species were introduced into the lake in the 1950’s, namely Oreochromis niloticus, O. leucosticus and Tilapia Zillii.
3. The fauna ecosystem consists of a wide variety of key animal communities, Hippopotamus and Sitatunga, among the birds King Fisher and Crested Crane are found.

Lake Nabugabo is situated next to Lake Victoria and the area was chosen as a Ramsar Site (protected area) for its importance for  the people and animals. Lake Nabugabo is a satellite lake of Lake Victoria, only about 4 km away from its shores.

An analysis of a 2.7 m long sediment core collected near the center of the lake showed  that Lake Nabugabo was isolated from Lake Victoria 5,000 calendar years ago.

High human population densities and a reliance on subsistence agriculture are reflected in the heavy dependency of the neighboring community around Lake Nabugabo on the lake ecosystem. The poor agricultural practices have impacts on the water quality and food production.

Partner organisation

National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses and Farm Enterprises (NUCAFE)

Contact person: Rashida Nakabuga