Uganda prepares for inaugural national aquaculture census 

UGANDA – Uganda will this week launch its first-ever nationwide aquaculture census, spearheaded by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

The census will target districts situated near water bodies and those with active fish farming operations, including ponds, pens, cages, tanks, and small farm reservoirs, collecting critical data on fish stocks, farming infrastructure, and technical capacity. 

It marks a significant step toward formalising and scaling up a sector that is increasingly seen as vital to national food security and rural development.

“We are rolling out the aquaculture census. We’ll collect data from all districts involved in fish farming, counting fish in ponds, assessing infrastructure, and evaluating expertise levels,” said Ms Nancy Agnes Anyango, UBOS Public Relations Officer, during a media briefing in Lira City on May 8.

Building a baseline for policy and investment

The goal of the census is to create a reliable baseline for the aquaculture industry by capturing details on the number, size, and distribution of fish farms, household demographics, land use, and production inputs. 

For years, the lack of reliable statistics has hampered effective policy planning, investment targeting, and technological innovation in the sector.

Ms Anyango explained that once the data is collected and analysed, it will guide government strategies aimed at enhancing production and sustainability.

“Under the census, we’ll examine farm characteristics, identify fish species, evaluate production facilities, and assess the labour force in aquaculture,” she noted. “Once the census is complete, UBOS will publish its findings and work with policymakers to implement reforms.”

Fish farmers across the country, particularly in northern Uganda, have expressed hope that the census will be a catalyst for change. 

Solomon Eimu, the fisheries officer for Lira District, believes the data could revitalise aquaculture in the region.

“This initiative will provide critical statistics about our fish farmers, their enterprises, and production capacities. I encourage all farmers to cooperate with the enumerators during the exercise,” Eimu urged.

He also raised concerns about dwindling wild fish stocks and underscored the growing importance of aquaculture in ensuring Uganda’s long-term food security.

While many fish farmers welcome the initiative, some are calling on authorities to ensure that the census leads to tangible improvements in the sector.

Fionah Achayo, a fish farmer in Lira City, supports the data collection effort but stresses the need for more concrete support.

“We need real investment, improved infrastructure, better access to quality fish feeds, and training programs to enhance farming practices,” she said.

Uganda to host World Aquaculture Safari 2025

Coinciding with the census rollout is another significant development for Uganda’s aquaculture sector: the country will host the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 (WA25) from June 24 to 27 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. 

The global event is expected to draw nearly 2,000 participants, including researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors.

Organised as a premier platform for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development, WA25 builds on the momentum of past Aquaculture Africa (AFRAQ) conferences held in Egypt, Zambia, and Tunisia.

East Africa is currently the fastest-growing aquaculture region on the continent, with Uganda at the forefront thanks to a mix of commercial ventures and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in tilapia and catfish farming. 

These SMES are also contributing to the development of local aquafeed supply chains, prompting the establishment of several large-scale feed factories in the country.

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