Uganda and Germany Forge Alliance to Bolster Aquaculture and Food Security

Uganda is in discussions with Germany to establish a collaborative partnership focused on strengthening the nation’s aquaculture industry. This initiative aims to introduce improved fish farming technologies, provide enhanced support to fish farmers, and promote sustainable production methods. The collaboration is particularly crucial as Uganda faces declining fish catches from its natural water bodies and seeks to supplement its supply.

Minister of Fisheries, Robert Migadde Ndugwa, met with a German delegation to explore avenues for cooperation. The discussions centered on the Global Programme–Sustainable Aquatic Food (GP-SAF), implemented by GIZ, which supports sustainable aquaculture development, productivity enhancement, and climate-resilient farming practices.

Minister Migadde highlighted that aquaculture is no longer a supplementary activity but a necessity, already contributing 22% to Uganda’s national fish production. He emphasized its role in ensuring food security, providing affordable protein, and creating employment opportunities. The growth in fish farming has been instrumental in maintaining Uganda’s per capita fish consumption above the African average, even as natural sources diminish.

The proposed partnership with Germany, through GIZ and the GP-SAF program, is expected to facilitate improvements in critical areas such as hatchery management, feed quality, disease control, and market access for fish farmers. Germany has expressed its commitment to assisting Uganda in transforming aquaculture into a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable sector.

Key areas of collaboration will include technical training for farmers, support for small and medium-sized fish enterprises, value addition initiatives, and promoting the sustainable use of aquatic resources. The initiative will also extend support to youth and women groups actively engaged in fish farming across the country. With targeted support, Uganda aims to significantly increase fish production, minimize post-harvest losses, and establish itself as a regional leader in sustainable aquatic food production.

Source: Nile Post