The Kabaka’s lake is the largest hand-dug lake in Africa. In 1885, the project of digging the lake commenced, and was halted in 1888, when religious broke out in Buganda Kingdom. The lake was planned to connect the Kabaka's Palace at Mmengo Hill to Lake Victoria at Munyonyo, which for centuries is the traditional venue for the Royal Canoe Regatta. It was hand dug by the people of Buganda Kingdom during the reign of Ssekabaka Mukasa Mwanga. 

The Lake is situated near Ndeeba, Kampala, which is about 5 kilometres, west of the Kampala city center, along the Kampala-Masaka road. The Kabaka's lake is considered sacred by the 52 clans of Buganda, whose leaders have a duty to organize Ganda people to clean, preserve and keep it clean. Unauthorised use of this Lake waters or lands can be dangerous and in the past resulted in the drowning of several trespassers. There are strong Ganda customs and traditions attached to Kayanja ka Kabaka (Buganda).