About Us
Our Story
Uganda Fish Processors & Exporters Association (UFPEA)
stands as an umbrella organization, unifying all fish factories across Uganda
Established in 1993, the Uganda Fish Processors & Exporters Association (UFPEA) is a non-profit organization that unites all industrial fish processors across Uganda. Formalized in 1999 as a Company Limited by Guarantee without share capital, UFPEA embodies a steadfast commitment to advancing the fisheries sector.
Our Values
Our Efforts Are Deeply Rooted in Global Fish Export Standards
01.
Fish Exports
UFPEA members focus on processing, value addition, and the export of fish and fishery products to diverse global markets. The European Union remains the dominant destination, accounting for over 75% of total export volume, followed by key markets such as the Middle East, Singapore, China, Japan, the USA, COMESA, and regional markets.
02.
Global Markets
Beyond these core activities, UFPEA provides business development services and actively advocates for policies that support and strengthen the fish sub-sector. This advocacy highlights the association’s dedication to driving growth, sustainability, and competitiveness within the industry.
03.
Sector Growth
Sustained investments in workforce development and cutting-edge facilities have transformed the sector into a modern processing hub, elevating fish and fishery products as Uganda’s top non-traditional exports for more than a decade.
04.
Food Safety
In partnership with MAAIF (the EU’s designated Competent Authority), UFPEA has bolstered Uganda’s reputation for managing robust food safety control systems, earning the confidence of international bodies like the European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO). This collaboration underscores Uganda’s capacity to meet stringent global standards for fish exports.
Championing Uganda’s Fish Industry
Membership:
UFPEA proudly represents eight fish processing firms, strategically located across Uganda: one in Jinja, six in Kampala, and one in Entebbe. An integral part of UFPEA is the Quality Assurance Managers Association (QAMA), comprising Quality Assurance Managers from member firms. This affiliated body ensures a unified approach to fish quality and safety within the industry.
Operational Facilities:
The association operates eight state-of-the-art processing plants, employing approximately 32,000 workers—over 90% of whom are Ugandan citizens. These facilities exemplify our commitment to efficiency and high-quality standards.
Societal Impact:
UFPEA significantly impacts Uganda’s society and economy, supporting the livelihoods of over 5 million Ugandans. On average, the industry exports 29,000 metric tonnes of fish products annually, generating approximately USD 116 million in revenue. This highlights the sector's vital role as a driver of economic growth and community development.
UFPEA CURRENT EXECUTIVE COMITEE
TITLE | NAME | FACTORY |
Chairman | Mr. Shahul Hameed | Nyanza Perch Ltd |
Vice Chairman | Mr. Rakesh Shetty | Lake Bounty Ltd |
Treasurer | Mr. Anshuman Dutt | Iftra (U) Ltd |
Executive Committee member Executive Committee member Executive Committee member | Mr. Rogers Katerega Mr. Raj Prakash Mr. Kamoga Charles | One to fish Ltd Lake Eco Fish Processing Limited Ssese Fresh Packers Ltd |
Chairman, QAMA | Mr. Moses Tenywa | Lake Bounty Ltd |
Vision & Mission
Mandate of the UFPEA Secretariat
- Serve as the central hub for coordinating and sharing relevant information and activities with members.
- Advocate for and secure technical assistance based on the needs of member companies.
- Initiate and oversee projects and programs that benefit members.
- Champion industry-friendly policies and programs, addressing challenges through strategic public-private partnerships.
Our Vision
To foster a unified association where members collaborate to champion sustainability, quality, innovation, and market-driven growth in Uganda’s fisheries sub-sector.
Our Mission
To empower members in promoting Uganda’s fish products, actively engage with the government on fisheries policies and programs, and advocate for the sustainable use of fisheries resources while ensuring robust quality management systems throughout the industry.
Environmental Sustainability, Safety, and Industry Partnerships.
Environment and Sustainability
UFPEA collaborates closely with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) to ensure the fish industry adheres to cleaner production practices and minimizes environmental impacts. This partnership underscores the association’s commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and protecting the ecosystem for future generations.
Sanitation and Quality Standards
UFPEA members maintain strict sanitation protocols and adhere to stringent quality standards across all operations. This commitment ensures that Uganda’s fish products meet international benchmarks for safety and hygiene.
Affiliations
UFPEA is an active member of several prominent organizations, including: Private Sector Foundation of Uganda – Advocating for private sector growth. East Africa Industrial Fishing & Fish Processors Association – Collaborating regionally on fisheries development and sustainability initiatives.
Nile Perch Nutritional Attributes
Nile Perch is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and offers firm, white flesh, sourced from the wild waters of Lake Victoria and other East African freshwater lakes.
High-Value Products and Value Addition
UFPEA encourages members to maximize the value of Nile Perch, utilizing all parts of the fish. This includes creating by-products like fish fingers from trimmings, leather products from skin, oil from fats, and frames and heads processed for domestic and regional markets.
Production
Nile Perch is sustainably harvested from Lake Victoria, the world’s largest inland fishery, spanning 68,800 square kilometers. UFPEA’s self-regulatory mechanisms, outlined in the members' Code of Conduct, ensure the sustainable management of these vital fishery resources.
Markets
The industry secures high-value export opportunities in key global markets, particularly the European Union. Additional export destinations include the Middle East, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Japan, and Australia.
Self-Monitoring and Control Program
In response to the challenges faced in the mid-2000s, including declining fish stocks due to illegalities, UFPEA implemented a pioneering self-monitoring and control program in 2007. Members pledged to regulate fish processed in their factories through proactive measures, including:
- Deploying independent inspectors to conduct unannounced factory inspections.
- Collaborating with the Department of Fisheries to enforce strict compliance measures and penalize non-conforming factories.
These measures have significantly contributed to the recovery of Nile Perch stocks, earning UFPEA recognition for its dedication to sustainable fisheries. The association’s efforts have been acknowledged through the awarding of a certification mark, symbolizing excellence in sustainability practices.
Quality Assurance
Safety and Hygiene Protocols
Uganda’s fish industry takes pride in upholding exceptional quality and safety standards. UFPEA actively supports its members through comprehensive training programs on the implementation of globally recognized certifications, including:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
- ISO 9001:2000 (Quality Management Standard).
- ISO 14000 (Environmental Management Standard).
- ISO 2200:2005 (Food Safety Management Standard).
- BRC Standards (Global Food Safety Standards).
Traceability is a cornerstone of the safety control system, enabling rigorous tracking across the entire fish supply chain. With the Quality Assurance Managers Association (QAMA) providing technical support, factories have successfully established robust traceability frameworks.
The Department of Fisheries Resources, as the designated Competent Authority, conducts routine testing of fish, water, and sediments to monitor for heavy metals, pesticide residues, and other contaminants. Most tests are conducted domestically by internationally accredited laboratories, ensuring compliance with global safety standards.
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Networks and Partnerships
UFPEA actively engages with key government ministries and departments to address industry challenges and advance shared goals. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the association’s strong relationship with the Directorate of Fisheries Resources under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), which provides essential inspection and regulatory support. Regular consultative meetings foster alignment on policy and operational issues.
In 2016, the government’s establishment of the Fisheries Protection Unit, comprising army officers, further strengthened efforts to combat illegal fishing and the trade of immature fish. This initiative exemplifies a unified commitment to preserving Uganda’s fisheries and ensuring sustainable practices.
UFPEA Projects & Collaborations
Over the years, UFPEA has successfully initiated, managed, and supported a wide array of projects aimed at advancing the fish processing and export sector in Uganda. The association has been a close partner to EU/ACP institutions, including the Centre for Development of Enterprises (CDE), as well as prominent programs such as PROINVEST and FISH II, alongside key international organizations like USAID and UNIDO.
CDE-Supported Projects:
March 1998 – August 2000:
Support of Technical Advisor, Consultant – Marina Reussens (UGA/9701/02/F1)
1998 – 1999:
Setup of Quality Management Programs, Consultant – Dr. Roland Vanthuyne (UGA/9906/00/F1). This project focused on capacity building in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems among UFPEA members.
2005:
Value Addition Market Study and Conference (UGA/0508/01/F1)
May 2006:
Participation in the Brussels Seafood Exhibition (UGA/0602/01/F1), allowing UFPEA members to showcase their products and access new markets.
November 2008:
Evaluation of FVO Mission Recommendations, Consultant – Dr. Roland Vanthuyne. This project evaluated the fish industry’s compliance with the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) mission recommendations.
June 2009:
Energy Audit of Fish Processing Factories, Consultants – Konserve Consult Ltd (Uganda) & EnergiMidt A/S (Denmark) (UGA/9907/04/F1). This initiative focused on building capacity to reduce operating costs through efficient energy use.
July 2011:
Fish Safety and Quality Assurance Project (EAF/0911/01/F1), Consultant – Dr. Roland Vanthuyne. This project helped the Competent Authority install environmental and residue monitoring programs and supported integrated inspections at a regional level.
Support by GIZ 2018 to 2023
GIZ-Supported Projects
November 2018:
Review of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2018, Consultant – Begumanya K.
December 2018:
Financing Mechanism for the Fish Sector, Consultant – Begumanya K.
March 2018:
Review of UFPEA Inspection Guidelines, Consultant – Begumanya K. Perry
June 2019:
Training for Factory Production Staff and Suppliers on the Updated Inspection Guidelines
UNIDO Support:
ISO 22000:2005 Training: Training of Quality Assurance Managers in the implementation of ISO 22000:2005 management systems.
Support Service Providers
The development of Uganda’s fish industry has fostered a robust cluster of service providers that contribute to its growth. These include:
