Uganda's fish exports and cash returns in August and September recovered from a previous dip, when the Nile perch catches in the lakes fell due to a long dry spell.

Exports topped 2022.9 metric tonnes, earning the country $7.5m (about sh13.4b) for September. An increase from the 1643.99 tonnes exported in July contributing $5,931,779.60 (about sh10.6b).

A total of $7,495198.66 (about 13.5b) was realised from the 2087.65 metric tonnes exported in August to both the European and other markets.

"With the new fishing regulations in place and the abundant rains, we expect an upsurge in the catches and returns. Nile tilapia orders have also gone up, the main market being Egypt," a fisheries official told The New Vision.

Out of the 2022.9 mt exported in Sepetember, the EU markets bought $4,693,728.42 worth and the rest, $2,776,485.00. Monthly fish returns now out perform coffee earnings. Officials say exports will stabilise with the current rainy season.

catches.

"With the new fishing regulations in place and the abundant rains we expect an upsurge in the catches and returns. Nile tilapia orders have also gone up, the main market being Egypt," said one fisheries officer.

who preferred anonymity.

The Fisheries ministry recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian fisheries ministry on how to develop the sub sector in the two countries.

The Egyptians are interested in developing Nile perch aquaculture by providing training opportunities to Ugandan enterprenuers, farmers and fisheries officers and sharing technical knowledge.

"Uganda has got the potential to increase fish production because of the availability of 160 lakes and 12.4 of the surface being wetlands. The infrastructure is also fair and there is land for leasing is readily available," a senior officer in the aquaculture department told the New Vision this week. Ends