[3] High human population densities and a reliance on subsistence agriculture are reflected in the heavy dependency of the neighboring community on the lake ecosystem.

[6][7][8][9][10] The fauna ecosystem consists of a wide variety of key animal communities.

[11] Lake Nabugabo is an important stop-over point for a number of species of migratory birds.

[13] Nile perch has not been introduced to lakes Kayanja, Kayugi and Manywa, and they are important for the survival of the rare haplochromines.

[13] A handful of other fish are native to Lake Nabugabo and still live there, including marbled lungfish, Mastacembelus frenatus, Enteromius barbs, Sadler's robber tetra, silver butter catfish, Fischer's Victoria squeaker, longnose stonebasher, Victoria stonebasher and Petrocephalus catostoma.