Dewilos Fish Farm has reached a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of Northern Uganda’s largest fish hatchery.
The event, presided over by Ms. Alice Akello, Commissioner in charge of RDCs for the Northern Region, highlighted the farm’s role in transforming Uganda’s fish farming industry.
“I am very impressed by what I have seen at Dewilos Fish Farm. Instead of waiting for government intervention, they have taken the initiative to create opportunities that will benefit many people. As government, we will fully support you with favorable legislation. I have heard that agencies like NEMA sometimes frustrate fish farmers, yet the President encourages responsible fish farming as an alternative to rice and other wetland crops,” Ms. Akello said.
She also urged farmers to think beyond local consumption, emphasizing the huge export potential.
“The Lira City Fisheries Officer, Mr. Ebong, informed me that you are producing fish mainly for food. Don’t limit yourselves. There is a huge market in South Sudan that we cannot satisfy. Operation Wealth Creation will soon organize meetings for the WALK region—West Nile, Acholi, Lango, and Karamoja—to discuss market expansion. If we had ten farms like Dewilos in Lango, this region would be among the richest in Uganda,” she added.
Dewilos Fish Farm, founded in 2019, sits on five acres in Lira District and has made a name for itself in Uganda’s aquaculture sector. With 21 fish ponds and complementary piggery and poultry projects, it has embraced sustainable farming.
The farm’s CEO, Ms. Fiona Acayo, was named 2023 Mid-Lango Farmer of the Year, earning her a fully funded study trip to the Netherlands, where she observed advanced fish farming techniques.
Inspired by what she learned, she is now applying these strategies to boost production and support the fish farming industry in Uganda.
The new hatchery will produce up to 800,000 fingerlings annually, a major boost for farmers in the region. Dewilos is also championing organic and sustainable aquaculture by using Black Soldier Fly larvae, Azolla plants, and byproducts from its piggery and poultry units as fish feed.
Unlike factory-made feeds that often contain chemical additives, these natural alternatives promote healthier fish, better yields, and a cleaner environment.
Despite the progress, fish farmers continue to face regulatory challenges. Mr. Alfred Obote, a rising fish farmer, voiced his frustration with NEMA’s restrictions on wetland use.
“NEMA officials accused us of degrading wetlands and threatened us with legal action, yet activities like sand mining and brickmaking continue unchecked,” he said.
Dewilos Fish Farm has made environmental restoration a priority. Chief Operations Officer Felix Owilo recalled the state of the land when the farm was established.
“When we bought this land, there was only one tree. Today, we have planted over 1,900 trees, including more than 150 royal palms, cashew nuts, and guavas. This proves that fish farming and environmental conservation can go hand in hand,” he said.
With the hatchery set to generate up to UGX 100 million per quarter and UGX 400 million annually from fingerling sales alone, its impact on the regional economy is expected to be significant. However, success will require collaboration between the government, private sector, development agencies, and the community.
Dewilos Fish Farm is calling on policymakers to create favorable regulations that support responsible fish farming while eliminating unnecessary red tape. The farm also urges media houses and the public to spotlight and support projects that align with Uganda’s economic and food security goals.
Ms. Acayo appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for continued government support for sustainable fish farming initiatives, saying that Uganda has the potential to become a major exporter of high-quality organic fish.
“With the right policies and support, fish farming can transform livelihoods and position Uganda as a regional powerhouse in aquaculture,” she said.
