Uganda Sets Ambitious Target to Revive Its Fisheries Sector
Uganda is outlining a comprehensive plan to revive its lakeside fisheries, aiming to boost production and exports to as much as 183,000 metric tonnes by 2028. The bold target was unveiled during a high-level breakfast meeting organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC) in collaboration with the Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association (UFPEA). The gathering brought together policymakers, industry players, financial partners, and technical experts to map out a practical path forward.
Why the Revitalization Plan Matters
The fisheries sector is a pivotal part of Uganda’s economy, supporting livelihoods for thousands of households and contributing to nutrition and rural development. Yet the sector has faced challenges in recent years, including post-harvest losses, weak value chains, and inconsistent access to financing. By targeting 183,000 MT by 2028, Uganda signals its intention to capture more value from its abundant natural resources, create stable jobs, and expand export earnings.
Key Pillars of the Plan
The breakfast meeting highlighted several core pillars that will underpin the sector’s revival:
- Increase in Production through improved aquaculture practices, sustainable fishing methods, and enhanced stock management. The government and partners will support farmers with training, fingerlings, and better fish feeds to raise yields in a responsible manner.
- Value Addition and Processing to move beyond raw exports. Investments in processing facilities, cold chains, and quality control are expected to raise the share of product with higher added value, which can command premium prices on regional and international markets.
- Export Market Diversification to access new buyers in Europe, Asia, and the East African Community. Strengthened compliance with international standards and branding will be essential for sustained demand.
- Financing and Investment to unlock capital for smallholders and processors. Financing solutions, incentives, and public-private partnerships are on the agenda to bridge the funding gap and spur scalable growth.
- Infrastructure and Market Linkages including improved cold storage, transport networks, and market information systems to reduce post-harvest losses and improve price transparency.
Stakeholder Roles and Collaboration
According to MTIC officials, the revival requires coordinated action among government ministries, sector associations, development partners, and private investors. UFPEA’s involvement is seen as crucial for aligning processing capacity with export requirements and for representing the interests of producers and exporters in policy discussions. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to transparent governance, sustainable fishing practices, and measurable milestones that can be tracked over the coming years.
Implications for Rural Communities
Experts emphasize that a successful fisheries revival will have significant social and economic benefits. By expanding production and value addition, small-scale fishers and processors could access steadier incomes, reduce vulnerability to shocks, and improve local food security. Training and support programs are expected to uplift rural livelihoods while adhering to environmental and conservation standards that protect fish stocks for future generations.
Next Steps and Timelines
Officials indicated that the 2024-2025 period will focus on setting practical targets, piloting best practices in aquaculture, and scaling up processing capacities. Subsequent years will aim to build out the cold-chain network, secure financing, and establish robust export channels. While 2028 remains the overarching horizon, quarterly reviews and transparency in reporting will help ensure the plan remains on track and adaptable to new opportunities and global market conditions.
As Uganda positions its fisheries sector for a revival, the country’s ability to coordinate across sectors and leverage regional partnerships will be crucial. If successful, the 183,000 MT target could transform livelihoods, nutrition, and trade, signaling a new era for Uganda’s fish economy.
