Uganda’s aquaculture sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation driven by increasing demand for fish protein, declining wild capture fisheries, and growing youth interest in agribusiness. However, smallholder fish farmers, who make up the bulk of the sector, continue to face systemic challenges—limited access to quality inputs, fragmented markets, poor extension services, and weak bargaining power. In response to these challenges, the Uganda Aquaculture Cooperative Union (UACU) was established as a national-level cooperative platform to build a vibrant, resilient and sustainable aquaculture industry, enhancing fish production and improving livelihoods for member farmers.The Union is fore seen to create employment of youth, Women,PWD and other adults through resultant activities in the fish value chain such as pond construction,farm attendants,fish distribution,fish processing, transportation and trade in fish value chain products (FAO 2019) Aquaculture employs over one100 Ugandans.
The union is organized in a structured governance and production network premised on 132 POS , 6 regional cooperative unions and an Apex National cooperative union which provides strategic governance and administration. Its core mission is to drive inclusive growth and sustainable practices in aquaculture by providing structured support, market linkage, and collective advocacy for its members. UACU’s approach is grounded in cooperative values, leveraging the power of collective action to address systemic barriers while promoting innovation, equity, and environmental stewardship.
The presentation shares the evolution, structure, and impact of UACU, demonstrating how cooperative models can drive resilient and inclusive aquaculture development. UACU has built strategic partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, financial bodies, and private sector actors to deliver coordinated services to its members. These include:MAAIF, Research institutions like Makarere university,NAFIRI in Kajansi, and actors like LVFO,MBCD, training institute like FTI, Entebbe, and donors Eu- Truefish to deliver coordinated services to its members.
UACU has so far registered achievements in access to quality Inputs, Capacity Building and Extension Services, Market Access and Value Addition, Youth and Women Inclusion, Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability.