The State House, through the Office of the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, facilitated a group of 60 model farmers from the Busoga sub-region to travel to Kenya for a three-day benchmark study on modern fish and livestock farming practices.
The study visit took place at Fish Farm Paradise and Resort in Kamulu, Machakos County, a few kilometres from Nairobi City. The facility specialises in fish and dairy farming and is regarded as a model for integrated aquaculture and livestock production.
The benchmark study forms part of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s broader efforts to support households in Busoga to diversify income sources beyond sugarcane growing. The alternative enterprises being promoted include fish farming, poultry keeping, cocoa growing and dairy farming.
Hon. Florence Mutyabule, Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation in Busoga and leader of the delegation, applauded State House for organising the study trip, describing it as timely for a region seeking more profitable alternatives to sugarcane farming, fishing on lakes, and rice growing in wetlands.
Speaking on behalf of the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation, who is also Deputy Presidential Press Secretary, Haji Faruk Kirunda, Hon. Mutyabule said President Museveni has consistently encouraged the proper utilisation of wetlands through fish farming at the peripheries, saying the practice creates wealth while protecting the environment.
“The strategy is working well. Fish farming will help Busoga fight poverty. Busoga is surrounded by water bodies such as Lake Victoria, meaning we have natural resources that can support fish farming,” she said.
Hon. Mutyabule also commended the proprietor of Fish Farm Paradise and Resort for effectively utilising wetlands through the establishment of fish hatcheries, fish ponds for catfish and tilapia, as well as a recreational centre.
“He utilised the wetland so well by setting up fish hatcheries and ponds for catfish and tilapia, alongside a recreation centre. He is earning substantial income from fish farming and hospitality. If we establish similar ventures in Busoga, we shall create wealth,” she said.
She further proposed the establishment of fish holding centres in Busoga to help farmers access markets and improve profitability.
“Just like here at Fish Farm Paradise and Resort, we also need to establish holding centres for fish in Busoga so that farmers can access reliable markets,” she added.
Hon. Mutyabule urged the 60 model farmers to become change agents in their respective districts by applying and sharing the knowledge acquired during the study trip.
“We are a group of 60 model farmers, and I believe we can make a significant difference in Busoga,” she said.
Stanley Mworia, Chief Executive Officer of the Aquaculture Association of Kenya, welcomed the delegation and guided them through modern fish farming techniques aimed at improving productivity.
“At this facility, we have ponds and hatcheries equipped with modern technology. Each pond can accommodate up to 3,000 fish,” he explained.
Mworia also highlighted the use of fish holding tanks supported by an integrated power system comprising electricity, generators and solar power to ensure stability and proper aeration.
“If fish are mature but there is no market, farmers can keep them in holding tanks until market opportunities arise. Through this system, we collect fish from across the country for sale,” he said, adding that the facility has the capacity to produce up to 500,000 fish per month.
He also advised East African governments to exempt taxes on ingredients used in fish feed production to lower costs for farmers.
Jacob Kazindura, a model farmer from Jinja, expressed gratitude to the Office of the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation for organising the study trip.
“I have gained knowledge on modern fish and dairy farming methods, including water recycling systems that help maintain fish safety,” he said.
“With the knowledge acquired, I can now distinguish fish species that are commercially viable, and we have also learned how to make cost-effective fish feeds.”
Mary Immaculate Abwooli, a fish farmer from Namutumba District, described the benchmark study as beneficial and urged farmers in Busoga to form associations to strengthen bargaining power and improve market access.
She also encouraged the adoption of technology to boost fish productivity.
“This initiative by State House was timely. We really needed it as model farmers,” Abwooli said.
Magala Samuel Ngobi, a model farmer from Luuka District, thanked Haji Faruk Kirunda for organising the study visit.
He noted that although farmers in Luuka have the potential to establish modern fish ponds, inadequate financial support remains a challenge.
“However, with the knowledge gained from this trip, we shall improve our agricultural enterprises,” he said.
