Uganda Fisheries Sub-Sector & UFPEA Export Performance (1991–2024)
The fisheries sub-sector is a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, significantly contributing to foreign exchange earnings, food security, and rural livelihoods. As a priority enterprise in the National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the Agricultural Sector Strategic Plan (ASSP), it accounts for 12% of Uganda’s agricultural GDP and supplies over 50% of the nation’s animal protein.
The Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association (UFPEA) plays a pivotal role in this sector, driving fish processing and export activities, primarily focusing on Nile Perch and Tilapia. This report examines UFPEA members’ export performance from 1991 to 2024, with detailed insights into processed volumes, export quantities, earnings, by-products, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Story of a Sector
Historical Context and Growth (1991–2019)
Uganda’s fisheries sector has been a vital economic driver since the early 1990s, emerging as the second-largest foreign exchange earner after coffee. Fish exports grew from USD 5.31 million in 1991 to USD 39.78 million in 1996, driven by increasing demand for Nile Perch. However, challenges such as EU import bans in 1997 and 1999, due to quality and safety concerns, including pesticide use in Lake Victoria, disrupted growth. After the 1999 ban was lifted in 2000, following enhanced monitoring by the Department of Fisheries Resources (DFR), exports surged, reaching USD 143.62 million in 2005 due to improved Nile Perch stocks and global prices.
Unsustainable fishing practices, including illegal gears, led to a decline by 2007, with exports dropping 31% to 17,253.47 tonnes in 2009. This triggered the closure of over ten processing factories, leaving seven operating at reduced capacity. The establishment of the Fisheries Protection Unit in 2016, coupled with increased enforcement, boosted Nile Perch biomass by 30% (from 0.85 million tonnes in 2016 to 1.12 million tonnes by 2024), enabling six factories to reopen, bringing the total to eleven. By 2019, exports reached USD 155.99 million, a 29% increase from USD 120.73 million in 2016, reflecting robust recovery.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted Uganda’s fish exports. In 2020, export earnings plummeted 55.1% from USD 8.2 million in January to USD 3.7 million in April, with export volumes dropping from 1,699 to 757 metric tonnes due to global lockdowns and supply chain disruptions. Recovery began as restrictions eased, with earnings rising to USD 6.8 million by June 2020, an 83.8% increase from April. However, 2021 saw the lowest export volume in over three decades at 7,659 metric tonnes, generating USD 53.95 million, reflecting lingering pandemic effects.
Historical Milestones
1991–2000: Early Growth
Exports surged from $5.3M to nearly $40M, overcoming two EU bans.
2001–2015: Peak & Decline
A record peak of $143.6M in 2005 was followed by a decline due to unsustainable fishing practices.
2016–2019: Strong Recovery
Enhanced enforcement boosted fish stocks, leading to a recovery with earnings reaching $156M.
2020–2021: COVID-19 Impact
The pandemic caused a 55% drop in earnings, with 2021 recording the lowest export volume in two decades.
2022–Present: Post-Pandemic Rebound
The sector demonstrated resilience with a steady rebound in export values, climbing towards pre-pandemic levels.
Long-Term Export Performance
UFPEA Export Performance (2019–2024)
A Detailed Breakdown of Recent Years
Annual Summary – 2024
Over the course of 2024, UFPEA members processed 16,505 metric tonnes of whole fish and exported 8,427 metric tonnes, generating a total export value of USD 58,760,313.00. By-products amounted to 8,513 metric tonnes, and the total levies paid were UGX 6,624,054,240.
| Month | Exported (T) | Value (USD) | Trend |
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Six-Year Summary (2019-2024)
UFPEA Six-Year Summary of Fish Processing and Export (2019–2024)
Between 2019 and 2024, UFPEA members processed a total of 139,219 metric tonnes of whole fish. Over the same period, they exported 68,884 metric tonnes of fish and fish products, generating a combined export value of USD 371,198,339.00. The total levies paid amounted to UGX 25,532,471,748, while by-products produced across the six years totaled 69,652 metric tonnes.
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Tonnes Processed
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Tonnes Exported
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Total Value (USD)
Future Outlook
UFPEA’s advocacy for sustainable practices has been central to the sector's recovery. However, challenges like illegal fishing, high operational costs, and fluctuating demand persist.
Key Focus Areas for Growth
Future growth hinges on market diversification, investment in aquaculture, and robust enforcement of regulations to ensure the long-term health of Uganda's fisheries.
"On average per year over this six-year period, UFPEA members processed 23,203 metric tonnes of whole fish, exported 11,481 metric tonnes, and generated USD 61,866,390.00 in export value. The average annual levy paid was UGX 4,255,411,958, and by-products averaged 11,609 metric tonnes per year."
- Compiled by Musinguzi Jamil - UFPEA Data Analytics Team
N.B. This visualization is based on data compiled by UFPEA and serves as a strategic overview. For granular details, please contact the association directly.