Dewilos Fish Farm: Leading the Aquaculture Revolution in Northern Uganda.

By Okidi Patrick

Nestled in the heart of Lira City, along the busy Lira – Kampala Highway, Dewilos Fish Farm has quickly established itself as a beacon of excellence in Uganda’s burgeoning aquaculture sector.

Established in 2019 by visionary entrepreneur Fiona Acayo, this five-acre fish farming enterprise has become a model of sustainable agriculture, integrating innovative farming techniques with traditional practices to yield impressive productivity while promoting environmental conservation.

With a total of 21 well-maintained fish ponds, Dewilos Fish Farm is poised to transform fish farming in the region.

Acayo, who also champions piggery and poultry farming on the same land, embodies the principles of sustainable agriculture endorsed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

She remarked, “Our approach is to maximise our land use efficiently while ensuring that we are caring for the environment. This is more than just farming; it’s about creating a sustainable future for our community.”

Recently, Acayo was awarded a prestigious trip to the Netherlands, where she gained invaluable insights into advanced fish farming techniques.

“Learning from the best has allowed us to implement practical solutions that not only increase our production but also elevate the standards of fish farming in Uganda,” she stated.

The farm’s new hatchery, which is expected to produce up to 800,000 fingerlings annually, promises to be a significant boon for local farmers, addressing the critical need for quality fish stock in Northern Uganda.

The impact of Dewilos Fish Farm extends beyond just fish production.

By employing over 30 locals, it has become an economic lifeline for many families in the region.

Moreover, the farm champions organic aquaculture practices, utilising innovative feed sources such as Black Soldier Fly larvae, Azolla plants, and organic by-products from its piggery and poultry units.

This sustainable approach not only reduces costs but also ensures that the fish produced are of the highest quality.

Mr Felix Owilo, the Chief Operations Officer at Dewilos, emphasised the farm’s commitment to environmental conservation.

“We are also promoting afforestation here; we have planted over 1,900 trees, including royal palms, cashew nuts, and guavas. It’s crucial that we preserve our environment while we grow our agricultural footprint,” Owilo said.

His sentiments echo the sentiments of many in the sector who believe that Uganda has the potential to become a leader in organic fish exports across Africa.

However, challenges persist in the aquaculture industry, particularly in terms of infrastructure and access to financing. Industry experts, such as Dr. Samuel Kato, an agronomist and aquaculture consultant, warn that while initiatives like Dewilos are vital, there is still a pressing need for government support to enhance the capacity of fish farms across the region.

“We need policies and financial frameworks that can support aquaculture ventures, enabling them to scale up and meet the growing demand both locally and internationally,” Dr. Kato asserted.

In conclusion, Dewilos Fish Farm stands as a testament to the potential of sustainable aquaculture in Northern Uganda.

Through innovative practices and a commitment to environmental stewardship, Fiona Acayo and her team are not only feeding their community but also setting a precedent for future fish farming enterprises.

With continued support from the government and investment in sustainable practices, Uganda could well position itself as a leading exporter of high-quality organic fish in Africa.

The journey towards this vision is just beginning, but with pioneers like Dewilos at the forefront, the future looks bright for Uganda’s aquaculture sector.