Ugandan fish farmers are calling for fair and consistent regulations as Dewilos Fish Farm, a leader in sustainable aquaculture, sets new industry benchmarks.
Despite the sector’s potential to drive economic growth and food security, farmers face regulatory hurdles, particularly from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Dewilos Fish Farm, led by 2023 Farmer of the Year, Fiona Acayo, recently launched Northern Uganda’s largest fish hatchery, capable of producing 800,000 fingerlings annually.
The farm’s use of organic feeds—Black Soldier Fly larvae, Azolla plants, and livestock byproducts—has positioned it as a model for sustainable fish farming. However, small-scale farmers argue they are unfairly penalized for operating in wetlands, while industries like sand mining and factory construction remain unchecked.
Mr. Alfred Obote, an emerging fish farmer, expressed his frustration:
“The government encouraged us to shift from rice farming to fish farming in wetlands, yet now we face penalties, while real encroachers go unchallenged. This inconsistency is discouraging.”
Commissioner Alice Akello, overseeing Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in Northern Uganda, acknowledged these concerns at the hatchery’s launch, assuring farmers that the government is working to resolve regulatory bottlenecks.
Beyond aquaculture, Dewilos Fish Farm is committed to environmental conservation. Chief Operations Officer Felix Owilo revealed that the farm has planted over 1,900 trees, transforming a once-barren landscape into a green space.
Fiona Acayo Appeals to President Museveni for Fish Farming Reforms
At the hatchery’s inauguration, Ms. Acayo urged President Yoweri Museveni to reform the fish farming sector by streamlining regulations, improving access to financing, and prioritizing aquaculture as a national economic driver.
“Our hatchery alone can generate UGX 400 million annually from fingerling sales. If the government supports fish farming, Uganda could become a regional leader in fish exports,” she stated.
She also called on commercial banks to make the Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) more accessible, a concern echoed by Commissioner Akello, who noted that the fund remains underutilized.
“With Uganda seeking to reduce imports and boost agricultural exports, fish farming presents a major economic opportunity. Operation Wealth Creation has pledged to discuss market expansion, particularly targeting South Sudan,” commissioner Akello emphasized.
She added that “If we had 10 farms like Dewilos in Lango, this region would be one of Uganda’s wealthiest.”
The launch of Dewilos’ hatchery marks a turning point for Uganda’s fish farming sector. However, industry leaders stress that regulatory reforms, better financing, and government support are critical for unlocking its full potential.
