The Mabamba wetland is one of the most important sites for the conservation of the shoebill. Its population is in decline (estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 individuals), and it only inhabits some wetlands in South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia.

Much of the water that Lake Victoria receives comes from Mabamba, making it of vital importance to the entire region. It also plays a key role as a flood controller and breeding area for many fish species.

In 2006 Mabamba was declared a wetland of special international importance by the Ramsar Convention due to the number of threatened bird species who live here. The main activity In the Mabamba Swamp is birdwatching, and in particular, the search for the endangered shoebill.