Kamuli fish farmers empowered with Shs10 million, assured of meady market

Kamuli: Dr. Mathias Magoola, the director of Dei Pharmaceuticals, has assured fish farmers in Kamuli of a ready market for their fish, not just in Uganda, but across the globe.

During a visit to the Buteme Fish Farm, owned by the Buteme Fish Farmers Association, on Friday at Bugwaala North village in Magogo Subcounty, Dr. Magoola emphasized the high demand for fish in the community and the assurance that it will not perish on the market stalls. He acknowledged the potential of fish farming to contribute significantly to the fight against poverty by boosting household incomes among farmers.

“With fish, you can never fail to find a market, and you can’t overwhelm the fish market in Uganda,” Dr. Magoola told the assembled fish farmers and local residents who gathered at the fish farm to gain knowledge on aquaculture.

He also referenced President Yoweri Museveni’s calls for Ugandans to either vacate wetlands or use them for fish farming as a means to strengthen the country’s economy.

Echoing the president’s sentiments, Dr. Magoola emphasized the vast potential that swamps have to improve the economic situation in Busoga and Uganda as a whole, if intensive fish farming practices are adopted. He further noted that his organization, in collaboration with development partners, is working on establishing a fish factory in Namasagali Subcounty, Kamuli, which will manufacture fish feeds to enhance the growth of fish.

One of the major challenges fish farming faces in the region is the high cost of fish feed, which affects the growth and production of fish. Dr. Magoola, however, expressed optimism that this issue would be addressed through the establishment of the fish feed factory.

Buteme Fish Farm, operating on 40 acres of leased land, brings together 30 registered members skilled in both fish and livestock farming. The association also supports over 100 local farmers in Kamuli district, guiding them in managing their own fish ponds.

Mr. Tonny Namitego, the chief of the Buteme Fish Farmers Association, stated that their goal is to empower rural farmers, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods through modern aquaculture practices.

“We initiated this project because we knew it could help us stand strong economically. However, scaling operations requires strategic investments in infrastructure and technology,” said Mr. Namitego.

The association’s fish farming project, which features at least 15 ponds stocked with tilapia and catfish, has been generating significant economic benefits for both the members and the community. Each pond contains 10,000 fish, and the project is poised to provide a sustainable and efficient source of fish production, which will contribute to improving livelihoods, food security, and the economic development of Kamuli district.

To ensure the sustainability of the project, the association aims to develop a hatchery for fingerling production. Mr. Namitego also emphasized the need to enhance the poultry and livestock projects at the farm, as the waste products from poultry and livestock are beneficial to the growth of fish.

“Poultry waste products and cow dung are very helpful to the growth of fish, and if we have them at a standard level, our fish would grow at higher quality,” he explained.

The association also plans to expand its operations with the construction of additional ponds. Mr. Namitego revealed plans to build at least 300 ponds in the future, further increasing fish production in the region.

In recognition of the association’s efforts, Dr. Magoola donated Shs 10 million to support the fish farming activities and pledged further support to the group. He also promised to provide electricity to the area and assured the farmers that their livestock and poultry projects would be supported.

Dr. Magoola, along with Dr. Kanyesigye from KK Foods in Kampala, also encouraged the public to consider cassava farming as part of the region’s economic development initiatives.

Dr. Magoola is constructing a cassava factory in Busoga that will consume over 500 tons of cassava per day. He promised to provide cassava seedlings and fertilizers to farmers willing to engage in the project.

“Grow cassava and green peppers. Their market will be available, and you will earn a lot of money from these crops,” he said.

The local leadership also praised Dr. Magoola for his transformative contributions to the region. Mr. Peter Namuboneyo, the councilor for Magogo Subcounty and representative of Kamuli District LC5, commended Dr. Magoola for his support, including a Shs 20 million donation for the construction of Magogo Subcounty headquarters.

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