Shs45m Fish Restocking Initiative Targets Nutrition and Income in Ntungamo

 By Anthony Kushaba

Ntungamo District rolls out a Shs44.9 million fish restocking programme targeting community dams and farmers, aiming to improve child nutrition, reduce stunting, and boost household incomes through regulated aquaculture.

Ntungamo District has intensified its fight against child malnutrition and poverty with a Shs44.9 million fish restocking initiative targeting valley dams, community water bodies, and individual farmers, in a deliberate push to improve household incomes and nutrition outcomes.

Health data from the district shows that 97 children are currently malnourished, with 28 classified as underweight — a statistic local leaders say can no longer be ignored.

“In the district we have 97 children who are malnourished and out of 97, 28 are underweight,” noted Dr Amon Bahati, the District Health Officer.

District authorities believe aquaculture presents a dual solution — increasing access to affordable protein while generating income for rural households.

“We believe this fish is going to improve the nutrition status of the people of Ntungamo, most especially our children," Dr Bahati  said.

"This restocking of our swamps and dams will provide nutritious proteins that help our children grow well.”

Under the intervention, the district has procured 40,000 Nile tilapia fingerlings, 10,000 catfish fingerlings, and two tonnes of fish feed, distributed to farmers and stocked in community dams.

 The funding comes from the Agriculture Extension Capital Development grant provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

Amos Besigye, the district’s fisheries officer, said they have been distributing fish and feeds to 19 farmers and have supported a community dam with 20,000 Nile tilapia fingerlings.

"The remaining 20,000 have been given to the 19 farmers," he said. "For the community dam at Kamahuri, the Sub-County Council of Rugarama will regulate fishing activities and fees, as well as monitor the fishing gear in use.”

The restocking exercise focused on Kamahuri Valley Dam in Kakanena Parish, adding to previous support to Kanyehunde and Obugando valley dams.

The programme, which began in 2019, is conducted every two years, benefiting three valley dams to date.

Besigye explained the broader objectives of the initiative: “We are increasing fish intake, supporting small lakes in Ntungamo, aiding fish farmers, and reducing stunting. Previously, Ntungamo was ranked among districts with high numbers of stunted children.”

At the household level, selected farmers receive fingerlings and start-up feed to sustain production over several months.

The Chief Administrative Officer of Ntungamo District, Fedelis Kiizza, framed the initiative within a broader poverty eradication strategy.

“We are giving fingerlings to farmers for their ponds and stocking a district pond to serve as a training area. We aim to use wetlands productively without encroaching on them, as guided by NEMA. Start-up feeds will sustain fish for up to four months, " Kizza said.

"Ntungamo is determined to fight poverty through productive activities, ensuring holistic development and leaving no one behind.”

Elijah Atuhaire the Ntungamo district secretary for finance who also doubles as the area councillor for Rugarama North sub county revealed that fish farming is a great venture since it is profitable and also boasts nutritition.

The District Chairman, Samuel Muchunguzi, hailed the initiative as one that fulfills his commitment to the people of Ntungamo.

"Wetlands have been restored, and anyone near a wetland can register with the Production Department to access fingerlings. We thank MAAIF for providing the fish. We will also provide feed for six months. Promoting coffee and fish farming is key to improving livelihoods,” Muchunguzi said.

Officials note that fish farming offers faster returns than many traditional agricultural enterprises, making it ideal for smallholder farmers seeking income diversification.

District leaders are optimistic that sustained investment in aquaculture will reduce stunting rates, strengthen household nutrition, and establish a regulated community-based fishing model that protects wetlands while generating revenue.