Kiryandongo launches Shs 300mln climate-smart fish farming project to transform livelihoods

KIRYANDONGO, July 13, 2026 — Kiryandongo district in western Uganda has launched a major government project aimed at boosting fish farming and tackling the effects of climate change.

Under the project, four farmer groups will each receive Shs 76 million to establish modern fish ponds.

The project was officially launched on July 10, 2026 in Kyankende Subcounty under the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project [UCSATP].

Isa Hasan Byenkya, the Kiryandongo District Production Officer, said the government will meet 80 per cent of the project cost, while farmers will contribute the remaining 20 per cent.

“To qualify, farmers must form groups of approximately 15 members, all of whom must possess National IDs. The government will provide ponds, feeds and fingerlings, after which the farmers will independently manage the projects,” explained Byenkya.

In Karagalya village, the Karagalya Fish Farmers Group, comprising 15 members, has already contributed Shs 1 million per member.

Olivia Banyanga, the group’s Chairperson, said they initially started with only six members and faced challenges in digging fish ponds.

She, however, said that since joining the climate-smart project, a contractor is now on site.

She urged members to work diligently to improve their livelihoods and appealed to the local government to assist in fencing the ponds to prevent encroachment.

Other beneficiary groups include the Kanyogoga Fish Farmers Group and the Mapendo Fish Farmers Group in Katulikire.

According to Scovia Nyirantunga, the District Fisheries Officer, each group will receive 35,000 fingerlings and is projected to earn Shs 133mln within six months.

She noted that securing contractors was initially challenging, as some quoted Shs 8mln per pond, exceeding the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF]’s planned cost of Shs 6 million per pond.

“The total construction cost for the district stands at Shs 30mln,” she said.

Dacan Denis, the Principal Chief Administrative Officer, representing the Chief Administrative Officer [CAO], Anselem Kyaligonza, commended farmers for embracing the project.

He said the groups should expect to earn more than Shs 135mln at harvest.

Denis also called upon technical officers to closely monitor the works and urged group leaders to uphold discipline and accountability, adding that Kiryandongo is benefiting from the project because of its role as a refugee-hosting district.

Nelson Osaga, the LCV Chairperson of Kiryandongo district, said climate-smart agriculture would produce quality fish and improve household incomes. He encouraged LCI leaders to mobilise more residents to join the groups.

Dan Muganga, the Resident District Commissioner [RDC] for Kiryandongo district, cautioned residents against encroaching on wetlands and urged those farming in such areas to vacate them.

He said the project is intended to shift communities from traditional fishing practices to modern aquaculture as a means of promoting socio-economic transformation. He also urged group leaders to maintain proper records.

https://thecooperator.news/kikuube-launches-community-led-reform-of-fishing-sector-on-lake-albert/

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