MICHAEL N
Ntungamo District leaders have launched a major fish farming initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving household incomes through sustainable aquaculture.
As part of the program, the District Fisheries Office yesterday distributed 40,000 fish fingerlings—including lungfish and catfish—alongside two tones of fish feed to local farmers in Rushenyi Constituency. The initiative seeks to enhance food security and create alternative sources of income for residents.
Speaking during the launch, District Fisheries Officer, Amos Besigye, said the fingerlings were provided to encourage communities to view fish farming as a long-term economic activity.
“Of the total distributed, 20,000 fingerlings were given directly to 19 individual fish farmers along with two tonnes of feed. The remaining 20,000 were stocked in the Kamahuri community pond in Kakanena Parish, Rugarama North Sub-county. This pond will serve as a demonstration site and motivation center for residents interested in aquaculture. The entire initiative cost 44.9 million shillings,” Besigye explained.
He further noted that the fish are expected to mature over one year before harvesting begins, allowing them to reproduce and ensure a continuous supply. Besigye urged farmers to protect the fish from predators and assured them of recommended fishing nets for harvesting.
District leaders, including LC5 Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi and Chief Administrative Officer Kizza Fedelis, encouraged residents to embrace fish farming to improve nutrition and generate income. Muchunguzi highlighted plans to utilize idle wetlands across the district for fish farming and assured farmers of ready markets for their fish at harvest.
“Fish farming not only provides a reliable source of protein but also opens opportunities for commercial production and employment, especially for youth and women,” said CAO Kizza Fedelis. He urged beneficiaries to use the initiative to boost household incomes.
Beneficiaries of the project, led by Chris Nasasira, expressed gratitude for the support. They, however, noted challenges such as inadequate fish feeds and limited resources to expand their ponds. In response, officials from the Agriculture and Fisheries Departments pledged to provide continued technical support and extend similar initiatives to other areas, including Kanyehunde and Rubaare.
