High fish feed demand stirs rush among producers

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The rapid growth of aquaculture across the country is forcing fish feed producers in Uganda to grapple with surging demand. From small backyard ponds to large commercial farms, the appetite for quality fish feed has never been greater.

This is due to the increasing number of youth and women turning to fish farming as a source of livelihood, especially in districts like Wakiso, Mukono and Jinja. Producers say they are struggling to keep up with the demand for feeds.

"We receive orders from as far as Gulu and Arua. Sometimes we run out of stock," a fish feed manufacturer from Kajjansi in Wakiso district says. She attributes the spike to government and non-governmental organisations-led campaigns promoting fish farming as a sustainable business.

Some of the fishponds at National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) in Kajjansi. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

However, the pressure to meet demand has exposed gaps in local production capacity. Some producers are now importing raw materials, while others have raised prices to manage the influx.

Experts warn that without proper regulation and support, the market could be flooded with substandard feeds, affecting fish quality.

Still, for many farmers, the demand presents an opportunity. They say it shows the industry is growing, though they hope the feeds remain affordable and genuine.

Robert Kanyembo, the De Heus Aqua plant manager based in the outskirts of Jinja city, says due to the high demand for quality feed products, the company has stepped in to produce standard feeds for all farmers.

He says Ugandans have embraced aquaculture, and the fish ponds are increasing, an indicator that farmers may need quality feeds.

Kanyembo says Ugandan fish farmers have embraced farming tilapia compared to other European countries that farm salmon.

These revelations were made at the Aquaculture Research Development Centre (ARDC) in Kajjansi, Wakiso district, on June 25, 2025.

According to research, Tilapia are relatively easy to farm due to their hardy nature, fast growth and adaptability to various farming environments. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including low oxygen levels and some salinity, and are less susceptible to diseases compared to some other farmed fish. Additionally, Tilapia are omnivorous, meaning they can be fed a variety of readily available and affordable feeds, and they reproduce quickly, allowing for efficient breeding cycles.

Fish feed-producing company

To meet the demand from farmers, de Heus, a parent company of Koudijs, has set up a state-of-the-art factory in Jinja city. The factory is expected to produce 100,000 tonnes of feed annually.

DR. Barry Kamira, Head of Production and Design at National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) explains to delegates methods they use in fish farming at NaFIRRI in Kajjansi on Tuesday 24 June 2025. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

The fish feeds are manufactured from maize corn, soybean, meat and bone, among others. Being new, the factory has so far managed to produce 5 tons for sampling to see if it meets the standards required by the Government.

Statistics

Uganda’s aquaculture sector has grown dramatically from producing 2,300 tonnes in 2002 to about 124,000 tonnes by 2020, now accounting for 22% of national fish output. However, the country still faces a 300,000-tonne annual fish deficit, with a national demand nearing 870,000 tonnes.

Early vaccination

Lisa Marie Leknes, a senior scientist at the Clinical Research at Veterinary Medical Research and Development (VMRD) Aquatic Health, PHARMAQ from Norway, says good fish health is fundamental to successful aquaculture production.

She, however, believes diseases continue to be one of the sector's greatest challenges, leading to significant losses if not properly managed.

“That's why prevention, rather than treatment, must be a top priority. One of the most powerful preventive tools we have is vaccination. In fact, in many leading aquaculture countries, vaccination is not just recommended—it’s mandatory to ensure food safety and maintain industry standards,” she says.

Leknes says vaccination offers many benefits, such as reduced disease incidence, less need for antibiotics, improved feed conversion, and more predictable production.

Accordingly, vaccination is not just a health tool but a way to support sustainability and consumer confidence.

“Beyond these economic and food safety advantages, vaccination supports animal welfare by promoting responsible and ethical farming practices,” she says.

Dr. Margaret Aanyu, Principal Research Scientist at Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) -NARO (Left) showing delegates some of the smoked Tilapia fish during the tour at National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) in Kajjansi on Tuesday 24 June 2025. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

The vaccine fish expert says that protecting fish from disease lowers mortality rates and reduces the need for antibiotics—this helps combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

She has found out that vaccinated fish typically experience improved growth and overall health, reinforcing the sustainability and efficiency of aquaculture.

She adds that the development and introduction of vaccines have played a crucial role in managing disease outbreaks and reducing the use of antibiotics, as seen in several aquaculture regions already.

“Our goal is to replicate these success stories in new markets by introducing advanced diagnostics and efficient vaccines,” she adds.

Her effort has been much felt in Europe, where she works, but when it comes to Africa, she says, “In the case of African aquaculture, we are currently focused on understanding the main fish health challenges faced by tilapia farms across the continent, with the view to ultimately provide effective solutions for farmers to safeguard the welfare of their stock.”

“PHARMAQ is currently doing this work as part of the ALPHA Plus project, founded by Melinda & Bill Gates’s foundation,” she adds.