Lake Kyoga

Lake Kyoga is a shallow freshwater lake in central-eastern Uganda that forms part of the upper Nile system. The lake is characterised by broad marshes, papyrus beds and seasonally flooded plains that support local fisheries.

The lake and its adjoining wetlands are used primarily for fishing, reed harvesting and small-scale agriculture, and they host a diversity of waterbirds and wetland-dependent wildlife. Local landing sites and fishing villages provide opportunities to observe traditional fisheries and birdlife in the reedbeds.

Lake Kyoga has long been integrated into regional transport, fishing and agricultural systems and plays a central role in local livelihoods. Its wetlands have been used traditionally for seasonal fishing and papyrus harvesting.

The lake lies in eastern-central Uganda on the upper reaches of the Nile, set among floodplains and agricultural districts rather than highland terrain. It is linked hydrologically to other major lakes in Uganda via the Nile.

• Wetland habitat: Extensive papyrus and wetland areas are a defining feature, supporting fisheries and rich waterbird communities; water levels and shorelines can change seasonally.