Prof. Justus Rutaisire, the Managing Director of Aquafarm Consults Limited, has urged the government to invest in organizing fish farmers nationwide into proxy organizations. This move, he argues, would not only amplify their production impact but also facilitate easier access to essential inputs such as feeds and nets, which are currently costly yet in high demand.
Rutaisire emphasized the importance of these organizations, stating that they would enable farmers to pool resources and collectively address challenges, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and profitable fish farming industry.
“Additionally, government support in providing small-scale feed making equipment to fish farmers would empower them to produce feeds locally within their clusters, meeting the demands of both their operations and off-takers,” he elaborated.
Addressing participants at the Aquaculture Business Conference held at Gudie Leisure Farm on Monday, Prof. Rutaisire underscored the need for a shift in mindset among the youth, encouraging them to consider fish farming as a viable entrepreneurial venture.
He also emphasized that starting small can lead to significant profits, urging the youth to set clear goals and leverage the various opportunities available along the value chain.
Dr. Papius Tibihika, Principal Research Officer and Head of Aquaculture Research and Development Center Kajjansi, echoed Rutaisire’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and knowledge exchange among farmers.
He highlighted the potential of cage fish farming, particularly in Uganda’s favorable climate conditions, as a pathway to increased production and profitability.
The inception of aquaculture in Uganda dates back to the 1940s, spurred by colonial authorities in response to widespread malnutrition. Dr. Tibihika emphasized the need to prioritize aquaculture development to mitigate the pressures on natural fish populations, particularly in Lake Victoria.
In her remarks, Prof. Naiga Gudula, the Founder and Managing Director of Gudie Farm, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the Aquaculture Cottage Industry Symposium, the third event in their series aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and highlighting the untapped potential of Uganda’s aquaculture sector.
While the aquaculture sector contributed only 2% to Uganda’s GDP in the 2021/22 calendar year, it recorded a substantial value addition of 3,298 billion shillings. Prof. Gudula emphasized the importance of strategic investments in further developing the sector, citing its potential to improve livelihoods, especially among local communities and youth.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the fisheries sub-sector employed approximately 1.7 million people directly and over 3.5 million indirectly in 2017. Furthermore, fish and fish products ranked as the third-highest export category in the 2021-2022 calendar year, generating approximately USD $116.2 million in revenue for the country.
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