Ms. Fiona Acayo, CEO of Dewilos Fish Farm and the 2023 Farmer of the Year Award winner for the Mid-Lango region, has called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to implement critical reforms in Uganda’s fish farming sector.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Northern Uganda’s largest fish hatchery, Acayo emphasized the urgent need for government support to promote 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 benchmark in the Lango sub-region with its state-of-the-art fish hatchery. With an annual production capacity of 800,000 fingerlings, the hatchery aims to bolster local fish farming and enhance national food security.

Ms. Acayo’s vision is rooted in organic and sustainable aquaculture practices, utilizing Black Soldier Fly larvae, Azolla plants, and piggery and poultry byproducts as fish feed. She argues that these natural alternatives are superior to factory-made feeds in terms of nutrition and environmental sustainability.

Presiding over the event, Ms. Alice Akello, Commissioner in charge of RDCs for the Northern Region, praised Dewilos Fish Farm’s innovative approach. “I am deeply impressed by what I have witnessed today. Instead of waiting for government intervention, Dewilos is leading by example—creating jobs, supporting the community, and driving progress. The government will fully support this initiative through favorable policies,” she said.

However, Commissioner Akello also acknowledged the regulatory challenges faced by fish farmers. “I have heard concerns about NEMA (National Environment Management Authority) creating obstacles for fish farmers. We will not allow such a vital investment to be hindered by unnecessary bureaucracy. The government will engage relevant agencies to address these issues and ensure farmers can operate without undue interference.”

Uganda’s fish farming sector holds significant export potential, particularly to neighboring South Sudan. Commissioner Akello revealed that Operation Wealth Creation will soon convene a meeting to explore expanding market opportunities for Ugandan fish farmers. She urged Dewilos Fish Farm and other entrepreneurs to scale up production, stating, “If we had ten farms like Dewilos in the Lango sub-region, this region would rank among the wealthiest in the country.”

Mr. Alfred Obote, an emerging fish farmer, highlighted the need for clear and fair regulations. “The government encouraged us to transition 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 unchecked,” he said.

Dewilos Fish Farm is also making significant strides in environmental conservation. Chief Operations Officer Mr. Felix Owilo shared that the farm has planted over 1,900 trees, including royal palms, cashew nuts, and guavas, as part of a large-scale 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, Ms. 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 UGX 100 million per quarter—UGX 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 also 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.

The groundbreaking of Dewilos Fish Farm’s hatchery marks a new chapter in Uganda’s fish farming industry. However, broader support is needed to maximize its impact. The community, policymakers, and the media are urged to amplify the conversation around fish farming reforms, ensuring that Uganda’s aquaculture sector thrives and contributes significantly to the nation’s economic growth.