Kyenjojo District is emerging as a center of agricultural innovation, with Kijwiga Fish Farm leading the way in aquaculture and the Tooro Industrial Hub offering new opportunities for value addition, processing, and market access. Together, these initiatives are not only changing livelihoods but also shaping the future of the district’s economy.

 Situated in the heart of Kyenjojo, Kijwiga Fish Farm has become a training and demonstration site for modern fish farming practices. The farm specializes in tilapia and catfish rearing, using scientifically designed ponds, proper feeding techniques, and improved water management.

 The farm’s success has inspired surrounding communities to take up aquaculture, diversifying away from traditional reliance on crops like tea and coffee, which face fluctuating prices.

 Kijwiga Fish Farm has directly created jobs for youth and women through pond management, feeding, harvesting, and marketing. The farm also contracts local suppliers for inputs such as feed and equipment, circulating money within the community.

 Beyond employment, the farm serves as a training ground for farmers across Kyenjojo, who come to learn aquaculture techniques, pond construction, and fish husbandry. Many have since started their own small-scale fish projects, multiplying the benefits.

 “Fish farming has proven to be a stable source of income and food. Farmers no longer depend only on cash crops but can also harvest fish throughout the year,” said a one Muhereza Robert, a farmer who benefited from Kijwiga’s training program.

 Fish farming, or aquaculture, offers several unique advantages that include but not limited to year-round production, as unlike seasonal crops, fish can be harvested multiple times annually. Fish also provides affordable protein and essential nutrients, improving diets especially among children and mothers. Aqua culture has also been integral in environmental integration as pond water can be used for irrigation, while fish waste serves as natural fertilizer for crops.

 By promoting integrated fish-crop-livestock systems, Kyenjojo farmers are maximizing land productivity and income.

 Kijwiga Fish Farm has become a community resource center, training local farmers, creating jobs for youth and women, and boosting household incomes. Fish availability within the district has also reduced dependence on imports, keeping money circulating locally.

 Mr Shem Ssekyanzi, the District Production and Marketing officer, and Rwenzori Region PDM Cordinator, says aquaculture is strengthening the Parish Development Model (PDM) by offering an enterprise that is both profitable and sustainable. Local revenue is also growing through taxes and licensing. It is also helping communities diversify incomes beyond traditional crops like tea and coffee.

 Complementing Kijwiga’s efforts is the Tooro Industrial Hub, one of the government’s regional hubs established to promote industrialization, skilling, and value addition. The hub provides value addition opportunities, including fish filleting, smoking, and packaging to meet market standards, entrepreneurship support, helping farmers and youth groups turn aquaculture into viable businesses. By linking production at Kijwiga and other farms to processing and markets through the Tooro Industrial Hub, the aquaculture value chain in Kyenjojo is being strengthened from pond to plate.

 The combination of grassroots initiatives like Kijwiga Fish Farm and regional infrastructure like the Tooro Industrial Hub is creating a powerful synergy. With improved skills, better markets, and expanded production, fish farming is set to become a pillar of Kyenjojo’s economy.

 Mr. Peter Birungi, the District Fisheries Officer noted, “Kijwiga Fish Farm is showing us how aquaculture can change lives. With the Tooro Industrial Hub supporting value addition, Kyenjojo can become a leader in fish production and processing in Western Uganda.”

 With continued support from district leadership, Kijwiga Fish Farm plans to expand production capacity, improve fingerling supply, and explore value addition such as fish filleting and packaging. As fish farming takes root, Kyenjojo District is set to not only improve food security but also strengthen its position as a hub for aquaculture in Western Uganda.