The establishment of a state-of-the-art fish hatchery at Dewilos Fish Farm in Amuca, Lira City is set to revolutionize sustainable fish production in Lango Sub region. With an annual production capacity of 800,000 fingerlings, the facility is expected to boost local fish farming, enhance food security, and position Uganda as a key player in regional fish exports.
Fiona Acayo, the CEO of Dewilos Fish Farm and the 2023 Farmer of the Year Award winner at the Harvest Money Expo for the Mid-Lango region, has called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to enact critical reforms in the fish farming sector.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Northern Uganda’s largest fish hatchery at the farm, Acayo emphasized the need for government support to enable sustainable fish farming and unlock the sector’s economic potential.
Founded in 2019 and spanning five acres in Lira district, Dewilos Fish Farm is setting a new standard in the Lango sub-region by embracing organic and sustainable aquaculture practices. The farm utilizes Black Soldier Fly larvae, Azolla plants, and piggery and poultry byproducts as fish feed alternatives. Acayo believes these feeds are more nutritious and environmentally friendly compared to factory-made feeds.
Presiding over the event in February, Alice Akello, Commissioner in charge of RDCs for the Northern Region, commended Dewilos Fish Farm’s efforts, stating, “I am very impressed by what I have witnessed. Instead of waiting for government intervention, they are leading by example, creating jobs, and supporting the community. The government will fully back this initiative with favorable policies.”
However, Commissioner Akello also acknowledged the regulatory challenges that fish farmers face. “I have heard concerns about NEMA frustrating fish farmers. We will not allow such a significant investment to suffer unnecessary obstacles. The government will engage relevant agencies to address these issues and ensure farmers operate without undue interference.”
The fish farming sector in Uganda holds immense export potential, particularly in neighboring South Sudan. Commissioner Akello urged Dewilos Fish Farm and other entrepreneurs to scale up production, stating, “If we had 10 farms like Dewilos in the Lango sub-region, this region would be among the wealthiest in the country.”
Alfred Obote, an upcoming fish farmer, echoed the need for clear and fair regulations. “The government encouraged us to move away from rice farming in wetlands to fish farming, yet authorities are now penalizing us. Meanwhile, real wetland encroachers those building factories and engaging in sand mining are left untouched.”
Beyond fish farming, Dewilos Fish Farm is actively contributing to environmental conservation. Chief Operations Officer Felix Owilo shared that the farm has planted over 1,900 trees, including royal palms, cashew nuts, and guavas, as part of a massive reforestation initiative. “When we acquired this land, there was only one tree. Today, we have transformed it into a thriving green space,” Owilo stated.
As Uganda pushes for import substitution and agricultural transformation, Acayo urged President Museveni to support fish farmers by streamlining regulations, improving access to financing, and promoting aquaculture as a viable economic venture.
“With the completion of our hatchery, we have the potential to generate Shs100 million per quarter Shs 400 million annually from the sale of fingerlings alone. If the government prioritizes aquaculture, Uganda can become a regional leader in fish exports,” she said.
She further called on commercial banks to make the Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) more accessible to fish farmers, echoing Commissioner Akello’s concerns that the funds remain underutilized.
ENDS
Comment