Uganda aquaculture innovations get global nod
“We are thrilled to showcase what Uganda is doing to drive sustainable aquaculture in Africa,” principal research scientist and programme leader for Innovation and Post-Harvest Fisheries Dr Margaret Aanyu said.
Dr. Barry Kamira, the Head of Productive and Design at National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) explains to delegates methods they use in fish farming at NaFIRRI in Kajjansi on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Photos by Colleb Mugume)
By Ibrahim Ruhweza
Journalists @New Vision
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Uganda’s aquaculture sector won international praise on June 26, 2025, as global delegates toured the Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) in Kajjansi, Wakiso district, where groundbreaking innovations are transforming fish farming across Africa.
The ARDC, a branch of the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) under the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), opened its doors to a delegation of researchers, private sector investors, donors and civil society leaders attending the World Aquaculture Society Conference. The visitors came to benchmark Uganda’s success in aquaculture science and technology.
“We are thrilled to showcase what Uganda is doing to drive sustainable aquaculture in Africa,” principal research scientist and programme leader for Innovation and Post-Harvest Fisheries Dr Margaret Aanyu said.
“This centre is the heartbeat of aquaculture research in the region. From fish genetics to feed technologies, our focus is both commercial and environmentally sustainable,” she added.
Originally established in the 1950s as the Kajjansi Fish Fry Centre under the colonial government, ARDC has evolved into a leading aquaculture research hub. It now focuses on fish health, seed improvement, feed development, market systems, and value addition.
With Uganda producing an estimated 138,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, the centre has played a critical role in making Uganda the third-largest aquaculture producer in Africa.
Dr. Margaret Aanyu, the 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. 
The country’s ambitions continue to grow. According to the agriculture ministry (MAAIF), Uganda aims to increase annual aquaculture production to one million metric tons.
Tour of innovations
During the guided tour, delegates saw several cutting-edge technologies in action.
One standout innovation was the development of climate-resilient Nile tilapia, bred to grow faster and withstand changing temperatures.
Researchers have also domesticated high-value native species such as Barbus altianalis and Labeo ningu, both endangered in the wild but prized by local communities.
“This is not just science. It’s about food security, livelihoods and biodiversity conservation,” Aanyu said.
Lead researcher on aquaponic systems Dr Barry Kamira demonstrated models designed for small-scale farmers.
“Our aquaponic systems have successfully increased yields of tomatoes and lettuce. Adoption among farmers is growing rapidly,” he said.
Another innovation drawing attention was the use of Moina micrura, a live food organism that boosts survival rates of catfish larvae.
“Live food like Moina is vital during early development. It mimics natural diets and reduces mortality,” Aanyu said.
Food safety
Visitors were impressed by ARDC’s efforts to replace antibiotics with natural plant extracts, such as Plant N, to treat fish diseases. This approach helps tackle antimicrobial resistance while promoting food safety.
On display was the NARO-FIK cancer-safe fish smoking kiln, which filters out harmful carcinogens during fish smoking—a breakthrough in food safety innovation.
Researchers further showcased Nile Perch oil extraction from fish stomachs, now being refined into a locally produced omega-3 supplement, reducing reliance on costly imports.
Sustainable feeds for small farmers
The centre is also pioneering sustainable feed production. One innovation involves using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in tilapia feed—a protein-rich and affordable alternative to traditional fishmeal.
ARDC has also developed non-extruded floating feeds that are accessible to small-scale farmers lacking high-tech equipment.
“This centre is revolutionising feed technology in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way,” remarked a delegate from Ghana.
Infrastructure
Delegates toured the centre’s vast facilities, including two hatcheries that produce over 21 million fry per cycle—four million tilapia and 17 million catfish—as well as a one-tonne-per-hour fish feed plant. They also visited molecular and diagnostic labs, training rooms, and a student hostel for visiting scholars.
Global interest and persistent challenges
The delegates commended Uganda’s leadership in applied aquaculture research.
“This visit has been an eye-opener,” Dr Lin Mei, an aquaculture specialist from China, said.
“Uganda is setting the pace for research-based fish farming in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Yet despite its accomplishments, ARDC still faces challenges, especially in funding.
“Most of our progress is driven by competitive research grants,” Aanyu noted.
“Government funding is limited, and external support isn’t always guaranteed. To sustain our work, we need stable and consistent financial backing.”