Summary:
- Alfred Omony, the Kitgum District Fisheries and Production Officer, attributed the crisis to the adverse effects of climate change, which have severely disrupted fish farming activities.
KITGUM: Kitgum District is facing a severe shortage of fresh fish as local supply struggles to meet growing demand, forcing consumers to rely on expensive imports from outside the region.
Alfred Omony, the Kitgum District Fisheries and Production Officer, attributed the crisis to the adverse effects of climate change, which have severely disrupted fish farming activities.
According to Omony, the district has 40 active fish ponds managed by 80 fish farmers.
However, unpredictable climate patterns have made it difficult to maintain consistent production levels, further aggravating the shortage.
Harriet Anena, a restaurant owner in Kitgum Municipality, highlighted the impact of the scarcity on her business.
She revealed that she has resorted to using dry-roasted fish to meet customer needs.
“We appeal to local farmers to increase fish production so that we can have a steady supply of fresh fish,” she said.
Anena also noted that the high cost of imported fresh fish, priced between UGX 15,000 and UGX 20,000 per kilogram, makes it unaffordable for many residents.
Despite the challenges, Omony expressed optimism about the future of fish farming in Kitgum.
He called on the government and other stakeholders to provide support in the form of training on climate-resilient farming practices, access to affordable financing, and better market linkages to help farmers sustain and boost production.
