Kiryandongo launches Shs304 million climate-smart fish farming project
She said each group is projected to earn about Shs133 million after six months of production.
Kiryandongo: Kiryandongo District has launched a major government-funded fish farming project under the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project (UCSATP) aimed at increasing fish production, improving household incomes and strengthening climate resilience.
Under the initiative, four farmer groups will each receive Shs76 million to establish modern fish ponds, with government meeting 80 percent of the project cost while beneficiaries contribute the remaining 20 percent.
The project was officially launched in Kyankende Sub-county.
District Production Officer Isa Hasan Byenkya said only organized farmer groups with about 15 members, each possessing a National Identification Card, qualify for the programme.
“Government will contribute 80 percent of the project cost while farmers contribute 20 percent. We shall provide fish ponds, feeds and fingerlings, after which the farmers will manage the projects on their own,” Byenkya said.
One of the beneficiary groups, Karagalya Fish Farmers Group in Karagalya Village, has already mobilized its members, with each contributing Shs1 million towards the project.
Group Chairperson Olivia Banyanga said the group initially struggled to establish fish ponds due to limited resources but expressed optimism following government support.
“We started with only six members and struggled to dig ponds on our own. Now a contractor is already on site. I urge members to work hard so that this project transforms our livelihoods, and I also appeal to the district to help us fence the ponds to prevent encroachment,” Banyanga said.
Other beneficiary groups include Kanyogoga Fish Farmers Group and Mapendo Fish Farmers Group in Katulikire.
District Fisheries Officer Scovia Nyirantunga said each pond will be stocked with approximately 7,000 tilapia, with every group receiving 35,000 fingerlings.
She said each group is projected to earn about Shs133 million after six months of production.
“Each pond will stock around 7,000 tilapia fish, and every group will receive 35,000 fingerlings. We expect each group to earn approximately Shs133 million within six months,” Nyirantunga said.
She, however, noted that procuring contractors delayed implementation after some contractors quoted Shs8 million per pond instead of the Shs6 million budgeted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Principal Accounting Officer Denis Dacan applauded the beneficiaries for embracing the project and urged them to ensure proper accountability.
“Groups should expect to earn more than Shs135 million at harvest if they manage these projects well. Technical officers must closely supervise the works, while group leaders should remain transparent and accountable,” Dacan said.
He added that Kiryandongo’s refugee-hosting status had enabled the district to benefit from several government development programmes.
Kiryandongo LCV Chairperson Nelson Osaga described the project as a game changer that will improve incomes and promote climate-smart agriculture.
“Climate-smart agriculture will help us produce quality fish, improve household incomes and create employment. I encourage LC leaders to mobilize more residents to form groups and benefit from such programmes,” Osaga said.
Resident District Commissioner Dan Muganga warned residents against encroaching on wetlands, saying environmental conservation is essential for the success of fish farming.
“This project is about moving from traditional fishing to modern fish farming for socio-economic transformation. Those cultivating wetlands should vacate them, and group leaders must keep proper records,” Muganga said.
Kyankende LCIII Chairperson Francis Aweko Kizza urged residents to embrace government programmes, while Karagalya Village LC1 Chairperson Oduhu Samson pledged continued monitoring to ensure the project’s success.
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