Employees hold a catfish harvested from Masheda Catfish Farm in Buyala. The fish is mainly sold
after value addition. PHOTO/GEORGE KATONGOLE
Catfish, commonly known as Emmale in Luganda, is less popular than Nile Perch and tilapia. The reddish coloration of the flesh of the African catfish is a factor that some consumers find less appealing.
However, catfish has significant growth potential, with popular markets in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it is a popular delicacy.
The catfish industry in Uganda mainly consists of small to medium-sized farms. But one entrepreneur, Marvin Lwasa, identified a market opportunity and founded Masheda Catfish Farm in Buyala, on Mityana Road in Mpigi District in 2020.
From the onset, Lwasa recognized the importance of controlling the entire value chain, from hatching catfish eggs to processing activities and value addition.
Masheda Catfish Farm produces at least 110 tonnes of quality catfish monthly, grown in a natural environment with freshwater flow from River Mayanja.
The Farm
Sitting on more than 25 acres with 107 fishponds, Masheda Catfish Farm is part of the luxurious Masheda Palm Resort on Mityana Road.
The farm specializes in commercial catfish farming and processing high-quality catfish products that meet the global demand for nutritious and eco-friendly food products.
The farm produces a variety of catfish value-added products, including:
Sausages
Whole smoked catfish
Fish fillets
Burgers
Fish powder
The company ensures good hygienic practices across the production and supply chain, meeting a high level of international food safety standards with certifications from:
Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS)
International Featured Standards (IFS) for its processing and packaging sectors
“Our commitment to quality and local sourcing is paramount. We sustainably produce premium and organic catfish products while prioritizing environmental stewardship, aquaculture welfare, and customer satisfaction,” Lwasa says.
They are committed to reducing food waste through sustainable packaging and adopting greener production processes to preserve natural resources.
"Sustainability is integral to our operations, and we continually work to improve our production and packaging practices,” he adds.
The farm is a member of the Uganda Catfish Farmers Association and supports the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative.
The farm, which commenced operations with 60 market stalls in Kinshasa, has subsequently expanded its reach to include exports to West Africa and a growing presence in top supermarkets such as:
Senana
Capital Shoppers
Kenjoy
Shopwise
“Our particular market focuses on those people who are interested in eating healthy foods to get access to high-quality catfish products. We’re also looking at restaurants where we can offer catfish as an option, especially for the numerous West Africans that come to Uganda,” Douglas Drake Onen, the farm's business development manager, adds.
Catfish have surpassed tilapia in global aquaculture production. Due to their diverse species and wide geographical range (over 3,000 species globally), they are set to remain a dominant force.
As living standards rise and consumer numbers grow, Africa's catfish industry is expected to expand substantially.
Masheda Catfish Farm, currently producing approximately two million tonnes of fish annually, plans to expand production to meet the significant market demand, particularly from the diaspora.
Overcoming Challenges
Fish feed costs represent a substantial portion of operating expenses and are a significant factor in the profitability of fish farming.
To ensure sustainable growth, Masheda Catfish Farm currently sources its feed from Egypt.
"I urge food scientists at our universities to continue exploring alternative fish feed options," Onen adds. "This is an obstacle for many fish farmers."
The Hatchery
The farm has incubators with 18 tanks in the greenhouse, each with a holding capacity of 35,000 fingerlings and nursery ponds.
The activities in the nursery are overseen by two highly skilled experts:
Sam Lema – Farm technician and aquaculture expert
James Batureine – Hatchery operator
Lema says the seed production is managed on-site through a delicate stripping process.
Stripping is an artificial fish breeding technique that involves the manual collection of eggs from female fish and milt (sperm) from males.
Lema explains that the process typically begins with hormone injections administered to the broodstock to stimulate the release of eggs and sperm.
Following the injection, a specific waiting period, known as the latency period, is required before the fish are ready for stripping.
Successful fish incubation requires a carefully controlled environment. Key factors include:
Stable temperature
High oxygen levels
Appropriate pH
Strict hygiene
Dim light or darkness
From the greenhouse, the fingerlings are transferred to the nursery ponds, where they stay for two months.
To increase survival rates, Lema says the fingerlings are provided a safe and controlled setting until they can fight off predators.
Nursery ponds play a vital role in catfish production, acting as a crucial intermediary stage between larval rearing and grow-out.
“We want to be able to help other farmers access high-quality fingerlings,” Onen says.
This stage is personal to Lwasa, who was once tricked into buying toads instead of catfish fingerlings when he started out.
Why Catfish?
Catfish is a significant contributor to global food security and nutrition. Its affordability, versatility, and nutritional value have made it a popular choice worldwide.
Nutritional Benefits of Catfish:
High in lean protein – Essential for muscle growth and repair
Contains omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids – Supports heart and brain health
Rich in vitamins & minerals – B12, selenium, phosphorus, potassium
Low in mercury – Safer than many other fish
The fish skin is also a source of collagen, which contributes to skin elasticity, hydration, and may help reduce wrinkles.
“Our catfish powder, for instance, is a superfood—a valuable and convenient way to boost your nutrient intake. That’s why we want to focus on catfish, because of its scientific and nutritional values.
Catfish is also an innovation in the market, instead of the usual tilapia and Nile Perch. This is a healthier and more nutritious food source many Ugandans can adopt,” Onen says.
Catfish was once the leading farmed fish in Uganda (FAO: 2000, 2003, 2008), followed by tilapia and mirror carp in order of commercial importance.
In 2010, catfish contributed to a production of 63,000 tonnes.
However, many farmers struggled to obtain healthy and fast-growing fingerlings, often relying on less productive or even diseased stock.
The current growth of the catfish farming industry in Uganda is market-driven, due to a combination of market forces and well-directed donor project initiatives.
Lwasa’s inspiration for fish farming was driven by an urge to grow his business empire, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown.
