Lake Nabugabo

Lake Nabugabo
Coordinates	00°22′12″S 31°54′00″E / 0.37°S 31.9°E / -0.37; 31.9Coordinates: 00°22′12″S 31°54′00″E / 0.37°S 31.9°E / -0.37; 31.9
Max. length	8.2 km (5.1 mi)
Max. width	5 km (3.1 mi)
Surface area	22,000 ha (54,000 acres)
Surface elevation	1,180 m (3,870 ft)
Settlements	Masaka, Uganda

Lake Nabugabo is a small freshwater lake in Uganda.

Location

The lake is located in Masaka District, Central Uganda, approximately 23 kilometres (14 mi), by road, east of the town of Masaka.^[1] The coordinates of Lake Nabugabo are:00 22 12S, 31 54 00E (Latitude:-0.3700; Longitude:31.9000).

Overview

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 kilometres (2.5 mi) away from its shores.

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. ^[2]

History

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. An analysis of a 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) long sediment core collected near the center of the lake showed that Lake Nabugabo was isolated from Lake Victoria, about 5,000 calendar years ago.^[3]

Flora and fauna

• Almost three hundred (300) plant species have been recorded. The catchment area is home to two (2) endemic flowering plants not found elsewhere, and fourteen (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.
• Indigenous fish (Cichlidae) is recorded. Three (3) other species were introduced into the lake in the 1950’s; namely Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis leucosticus and Tilapia zillii.
• The fauna ecosystem consists of a wide variety of key animal communities. Hippopotamus and Sitatunga are found. Among the birds, King Fisher and Crested Crane are also found.^[4]
• Lake Nabugabo is an important stop-over point for a number of species of migratory birds.

External links

• The Origins of Lake Nabugabo
• Lake Nabugabo Homepage

See also

• Masaka
• Masaka District
• Lake Victoria

References

1. ^ Road distance between Masaka and Lake Nabugabo with Map
2. ^ About Lake Nabugabo
3. ^ History of Lake Nabugabo
4. ^ The Flora and Fauna of Lake Nabugabo