Leaders and farmers in Pallisa District have praised President Museveni for championing a fish farming initiative aimed at improving household incomes and reducing poverty.
The project forms part of a broader government strategy to transition farmers from rice cultivation in wetlands to aquaculture, which officials describe as both more profitable and environmentally sustainable. Wetland degradation in Eastern Uganda has long been linked to rice farming, prompting efforts to promote alternative livelihoods that also support conservation.
Implemented under the Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs programme coordinated by State House, the initiative underscores government focus on skills development, production, and grassroots wealth creation.
As part of the programme, the President launched Limoto Fish Farm as a demonstration site to showcase the economic potential of aquaculture compared to traditional rice farming.
The project is overseen by officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the leadership of David Muwanga Kibirango, whose team has led the rapid establishment and expansion of the farm. The site currently hosts 26 fishponds, positioning it as a model for farmers interested in aquaculture.
On April 20, 2026, State House Comptroller Jane Barekye visited the farm to assess progress, expressing satisfaction with its development and describing it as evidence that fish farming can drive economic transformation.
During the visit, Major Kibirango outlined the comparative returns of fish farming and rice cultivation. He said an acre of land can accommodate four fishponds, each stocked with up to 15,000 fish.
He noted that rice farmers typically earn about shs200,000 per acre after six months. In contrast, fish farming generates significantly higher returns despite higher input costs, including approximately shs70,000 per day in feed, totalling about shs15 million over five months, and an additional shs5 million in labour and related expenses.
At harvest, a single pond can yield at least 10,000 fish, with each kilogram selling at about shs7,000, translating into roughly shs70 million per pond within five months. With four ponds per acre, potential earnings can reach approximately shs280 million.
Major Kibirango called for continued government support to expand adoption of fish farming, citing its strong potential to improve livelihoods.
Ms Barekye also visited the Kaitambiri Fish Farm, another State House-supported project in Pallisa.
Resident District Commissioner Majid Dhikusooka said the project was established following requests to extend similar support to farmers who could not be accommodated at Limoto.
Through collaboration between the Ministries of Water and Environment, Agriculture, and State House, six fishponds have been constructed at Kaitambiri and stocked with fish.
Mika Makeri, chairperson of fish farmers at the site, described the initiative as a turning point for local incomes, noting that many farmers previously relied on low-yield rice farming that also contributed to environmental degradation.
However, he cited challenges including limited market access, insecurity at fishponds, and the high cost of fish feeds.
In response, Ms Barekye introduced Masheda Holdings Company Limited as a potential off-taker for farmers’ produce.
Company representative David Osiya assured farmers of a ready market, with catfish priced at shs7,000 per kilogram and tilapia at shs7,500. He also revealed plans to establish a fish feeds factory to address supply and cost challenges.
Addressing farmers, Ms Barekye urged them to take ownership of the initiative, noting that more than shs1 billion has already been invested.
“You all have to move out of poverty. Just embrace this project and you will see the transformation,” she said.
She warned against sabotage and called for vigilance to protect the project, while assuring farmers of additional State House support, including the installation of a perimeter fence and provision of resources to ensure sustainability.
The fish farming initiative is increasingly being viewed as a transformative intervention, offering both economic and environmental benefits to communities in Pallisa and surrounding areas.
