Kamuli: Dr. Mathias Magoola, the director of Dei Pharmaceuticals, has assured fish farmers of a ready market for their fish, not only in Uganda but across the globe.
Magoola, who was touring Buteme Fish Farm owned by the Buteme Fish Farmers Association on Friday at Bugwaala North village in Magogo Subcounty, Kamuli District, said that fish has high demand in the community and cannot perish on the stalls.
He acknowledged the significance of fish farming, asserting that it could significantly contribute to the fight against poverty by improving 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 Buteme fish farmers and local residents who gathered at the fish farm to receive valuable insights on fish farming. President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly emphasized that Ugandans should vacate wetlands or utilize them for fish farming.
Building on the president’s call, Dr. Magoola echoed that swamps have more potential to strengthen the economic scales of Busoga and Uganda at large if intensive fish farming is implemented.
“We have several projects aimed at ensuring a poverty-free Busoga, and fish farming is one of the key targets to elevate,” he said.
Dr. Magoola, in collaboration with other development partners, is establishing a fish factory in Namasagali Subcounty, Kamuli District, which will produce fish feed to support the proper growth of fish.
Fish farming is often hindered by the high cost of fish feed, which results in low growth and production. However, Dr. Magoola expressed optimism in addressing this challenge.
Operating on a 40-acre leased land, Buteme Fish Farm unites 30 registered members with expertise in fish and livestock farming. The association also supports over 100 local farmers in Kamuli District who manage their fish ponds under the association’s mentorship.
Mr. Tonny Namitego, the head of the 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 become economically strong. However, scaling operations requires strategic investments in infrastructure and technology,” said Mr. Namitego.
With a growing demand for fish and favorable government policies promoting aquaculture, these farmers have launched an Intensive Fish Farming Project featuring at least 15 ponds, currently stocked with tilapia and catfish. Each pond contains 10,000 fish, generating significant economic benefits for members and the community.
According to Mr. Namitego, the project is expected to establish a sustainable and efficient intensive fish farming enterprise that increases fish production, improves livelihoods, enhances food security, and contributes to the economic development of Kamuli District.
“The challenge is that we operate this project locally, but we seek the development of a hatchery for fingerling production to ensure a sustainable supply chain for the ponds,” Namitego appealed for support.
The project’s emphasis on capacity building, job creation, and inclusive participation, especially for women and youth, will create a ripple effect that empowers individuals and transforms the broader community.
Namitego also mentioned that they plan to improve their poultry and livestock projects on the same farm, as these can serve as catalysts for the growth of fish.
“Poultry waste products and cow dung are very beneficial for the growth of fish. If we have them at an optimal level, our fish will grow to a higher quality,” he added.
Highlighting the need for infrastructural development of the ponds, Mr. Namitego revealed plans for expansion through the construction of additional ponds, aiming to establish at least 300 ponds in the future.
Dr. Magoola, however, boosted the association with Shs 10 million in cash to support the activities of fish farmers and pledged further assistance to the group.
“I will ensure that you have electricity here. Your livestock and poultry projects will not be a problem in the near future,” Dr. Magoola said, vowing to engage President Museveni to visit the fish farmers.
Meanwhile, Dr. Magoola, accompanied by Dr. Kanyesigye, the chief of KK Foods in Kampala, encouraged the public to also engage in cassava farming as part of key projects he is undertaking in the region.
He noted that he is constructing a cassava factory in Busoga, which will process over 500 tons of cassava per day. He promised to donate cassava seedlings and fertilizers to farmers willing to implement this project.
“Grow cassava and green peppers. The market will be available, and you will earn a lot from these crops,” he told the farmers.
Representing Kamuli District LC5, Mr. Peter Namuboneyo, the councilor of Magogo Subcounty, praised Dr. Magoola for extending transformative projects to his home district. Magoola is a son of the soil, born in Nankandulo, Kamuli District.
On behalf of the district leadership, Mr. Namuboneyo commended the pharmacist for donating Shs 20 million to construct the Magogo Subcounty headquarters.
