Business 20 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Rising Fish Prices in Uganda Leave Locals Priced Out of Staple Protein
Fish prices, especially for smoked tilapia and Nile perch, have surged due to depleting Lake Victoria stocks, export demand to Europe, and growing local consumption, making whole fish unaffordable for many households. Inflation hit 14.3 percent in February 2026, forcing families to rely on cheaper off-cuts amid supply shortages and illegal fishing. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/commodities/why-ugandans-are-priced-out-of-their-own-fish-5429770
At Port Bell landing site in Luzira, fishmongers lament the scarcity in Lake Victoria, where catches have dwindled, driving up prices. A small tilapia now costs Shs30,000, and fishermen avoid deep waters due to stricter enforcement.
Uganda Bureau of Statistics data reveals smoked tilapia prices jumped from Shs36,882 to Shs40,894 per kilogramme between January and February 2026, with inflation at 14.3 percent. This has fueled broader food inflation alongside maize flour, straining household budgets.
In Nakawa market, seller Kato Musa offers fish heads and trimmings as the only viable option for budget-conscious buyers, who rush early to secure them. Whole Nile perch, prized for its mild taste, heads mostly to European exports, leaving scraps for locals.
Dr. Henry Opolot Nakalet from the Ministry of Agriculture blames overharvesting since the 1990s, illegal practices like undersized nets, and slow aquaculture growth. Population growth and diet shifts exacerbate the supply crunch.
Quality issues plague local markets too, with complaints of fish tasting off or bony from overfished stocks. The Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association reports $1.4 billion in annual losses from smuggling and illegal gear, with factories at 22 percent capacity.
Despite challenges, fish exports earned USD 58.8 million from 8,427 tonnes in 2024. Government efforts target restocking, sustainable practices, and aquaculture to hit 1 million tonnes by 2030, though current output lags at 130,000 tonnes.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)