Tilapia on demand as prices shoot

Tilapia is a good source of protein that can be enjoyed cooked, deep-fired, smoked or baked. The fish also provides income to fishermen, fish farmers and fish mongers.

On the Ugandan market, tilapia is sold either fresh or smoked. Margaret Kiwewa, a trader of smoked fish at Kibuye in Makindye (Kampala), says the price of fish has recently gone up.

Fishmongers attribute the increase to the low catch.

Poor fishing methods, such as large net casting, which are indiscriminately used in breeding areas, have also been blamed.

By July-August, a small (five-inch) fresh tilapia was selling at sh6,000 in different markets of Kampala. Previously, it would go for sh5,000. Meanwhile, a medium size (eight-inch) was selling at sh20,000 from the previous sh17,000, while large size (12 inch) was selling at sh30,000-35,000 from sh25,000.

According to Kiwewa in Kibuye market, a medium sized fish was selling at sh20,000 from sh18,000, while small size was selling at sh5,000 from sh4,000.

Fish experts say the long term solution to the seasonal fish scarcity is to have more people taking up fish farming.

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