Lango Region’s Leading Fish Farmer Urges President Museveni to Reform Aquaculture Policies

Dewilos Fish Farm, a trailblazer in Uganda’s aquaculture industry, has marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its state-of-the-art fish hatchery. Set to be the largest in Northern Uganda, this development signals a new era for fish farming in the region. The ceremony was graced by Ms. Alice Akello, Commissioner in charge of RDCs for the Northern Region, who lauded the farm’s efforts in advancing sustainable aquaculture.

Ms. Akello commended Dewilos Fish Farm for taking proactive steps to revolutionize fish farming without solely relying on government intervention. She emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives through favorable legislation.
“I am very impressed by what I have seen at Dewilos Fish Farm. Instead of waiting for government intervention, they have launched a project that will benefit many people directly and indirectly. We will provide support through favorable legislation, as we acknowledge the challenges faced by fish farmers, including restrictions from government bodies such as NEMA. The President of Uganda strongly advocates for responsible fish farming as an alternative to rice cultivation in wetlands,” she stated.

Highlighting the immense potential of the fish market beyond Uganda, Ms. Akello urged farmers to consider commercial fish production for export rather than limiting their focus to local food supply.
“The Lira City fisheries officer, Mr. Ebong, mentioned that you are producing fish mainly for food. However, there is an untapped market in South Sudan. Operation Wealth Creation will soon hold meetings for the ‘WALK region’—West Nile, Acholi, Lango, and Karamoja—to discuss these opportunities. If we can establish at least 10 Dewilos farms in the Lango Sub-region, this area will thrive economically.”

Founded in 2019, Dewilos Fish Farm spans five acres in Lira District and has made remarkable contributions to Uganda’s aquaculture sector. The farm operates 21 fish ponds alongside complementary piggery and poultry projects, making it a model for integrated farming.
The farm’s CEO, Ms. Fiona Acayo, was recognized as the 2023 Farmer of the Year for the Mid-Lango region, earning a fully paid study trip to the Netherlands. Inspired by the innovative fish farming techniques she observed, Ms. Acayo is now implementing cutting-edge strategies to enhance productivity and contribute to the growth of Uganda’s fish farming industry.

State-of-the-Art Hatchery to Transform the Industry
The new hatchery at Dewilos Fish Farm is set to produce an impressive 800,000 fingerlings annually, providing a critical supply to fish farmers in the Lango Sub-region and beyond. This initiative will help bridge the gap in quality fish seed availability, boosting aquaculture yields and improving livelihoods for local farmers.

Sustainable and Organic Fish Farming Practices
Dewilos Fish Farm stands out for its commitment to organic and environmentally friendly farming methods. Instead of relying on factory-produced fish feeds that may contain chemical additives, the farm prioritizes sustainable alternatives such as Black Soldier Flies, Azolla plants, and organic byproducts from its piggery and poultry operations. These methods ensure healthier fish, higher yields, and reduced environmental impact.

Despite the farm’s success, government restrictions on wetland use remain a major challenge for fish farmers. Alfred Obote, an emerging fish farmer, voiced concerns about the stringent regulations enforced by NEMA.

“We have faced accusations of wetland degradation and threats of legal action, even as other activities like sand mining and brick-making continue unchecked,” Obote lamented.
Felix Owilo, Chief Operations Officer of Dewilos Fish Farm, reaffirmed the farm’s commitment to environmental conservation.
“When we acquired this land, there was only one tree. Today, we have planted over 1,900 trees, including royal palms, cashew nut, and guava trees. Our approach integrates sustainability and restoration,” he emphasized.

Upon completion, the Dewilos Fish Farm hatchery is projected to generate up to UGX 100 million per quarter and UGX 400 million annually from fingerling sales alone. This economic boost will create jobs, improve food security, and contribute to regional development.

For Uganda’s aquaculture industry to thrive, collaborative support from government agencies, private investors, development organizations, and the local community is essential. Dewilos Fish Farm urges policymakers to enact laws that facilitate responsible fish farming while removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that stifle growth.
Moreover, the media and the general public play a vital role in highlighting and supporting transformative projects like Dewilos Fish Farm. Increased awareness and investment in sustainable fish farming align with Uganda’s vision for economic empowerment and food security.

Securing the backing of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni remains crucial in positioning Uganda as a leading exporter of high-quality organic fish. By fostering an enabling environment for fish farmers and encouraging sustainable aquaculture, Uganda can solidify its place in the global fish market, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

Dewilos Fish Farm is a beacon of progress in Uganda’s aquaculture industry. With its groundbreaking hatchery, commitment to sustainability, and focus on economic empowerment, the farm is setting a precedent for fish farmers across the country. However, to unlock the full potential of fish farming, policy reforms, stakeholder collaboration, and government support are imperative. With the right interventions, Uganda’s aquaculture sector can become a powerhouse for economic growth and food security in the region.