By Ben Musanje
Uganda’s aquaculture sector has reached a major milestone, producing 65,444 metric tons of fish in a single year, with tilapia emerging as the dominant species, according to newly released findings from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
Presenting the second part of the Aquaculture Census 2025 report, UBOS statistician Constance Nakiyemba revealed that tilapia accounts for the overwhelming share of production, contributing 82.4% of total output. This translates to more than 53,000 metric tons, firmly positioning tilapia as the backbone of Uganda’s fish farming industry.
“Of the total production in the country, tilapia remains the highest contributor,” Nakiyemba said, noting that catfish follows at a distant second with 11,347 metric tons, representing 17.3% of total production. Other species such as mirror carp and grass carp collectively account for less than one percent, underscoring the limited diversification within the sector.
The report highlights that Uganda’s aquaculture production is not only growing but also geographically concentrated. The Buganda sub-region leads in both farm numbers and output, while Sebei recorded the lowest production levels, contributing just 33 metric tons during the reference period.
Overall, the census documented 9,463 aquaculture farms nationwide, with 6,408 located in rural areas and the remainder in urban settings. Despite the rural dominance in farm numbers, urban farms contributed a larger share of production—72.1% compared to 27.9% from rural farms—pointing to higher productivity and possibly better access to inputs and markets in urban areas.
Infrastructure remains a critical component of the sector. The country has 24,348 fish ponds, though only 17,108 were stocked during the census period. Additionally, 8,738 farms rely on pond systems, making them the most common aquaculture method. Tilapia farming is particularly widespread, with over 7,500 farms engaged in its cultivation.
The census also sheds light on fish seed production, a key driver of aquaculture growth. Uganda recorded 273 hatcheries with a combined installed capacity of 200.1 million fish seed between July 2024 and June 2025. However, actual production fell short at 149.9 million seed, indicating a gap that could be addressed to further boost output.
Speaking at the release of the report, UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris N. Mukiza described the census as a landmark achievement. “We are setting the pace for aquaculture statistics in Africa. This report comes at a critical time to guide government and private sector planning,” he said.
Mukiza emphasized that this is Uganda’s first comprehensive aquaculture census, making it a pioneering effort on the continent. He urged policymakers, investors, and development partners to leverage the data for informed decision-making, particularly in enhancing food security, increasing incomes, and promoting value addition in the fisheries sector.
The findings position Uganda as a regional leader in aquaculture production, driven largely by tilapia. However, experts note that expanding species diversity and improving rural farm productivity could unlock even greater potential in the years ahead. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
