Museveni Inaugurates De Heus State-of-the-art Fish Feed Factory

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art fish feed factory established by De Heus Animal Nutrition, a global leader in animal feed solutions, marking a turning point for Uganda’s aquaculture industry.

The facility, located in Njeru near Jinja—one of East Africa’s aquaculture hubs—has the capacity to produce 100,000 metric tons of fish feed annually, reducing reliance on imports and ensuring farmers access affordable, high-quality feed.

“This investment fills a vital gap in the value chain,” President Museveni said, noting that the project aligns with his government’s vision of transforming Uganda into a value-added producer.

“I call on Ugandans to produce more quality raw materials such as maize and sunflower, and explore the profitability of soybeans—possibly through an association of soybean growers.”

The President linked the new development to his Parish Development Model (PDM) tours, highlighting that private sector investment in fish feed complements government initiatives to promote fish farming as a viable alternative to rice cultivation in wetlands. “This shift protects the Nile and our water resources while creating jobs and boosting exports,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Co de Heus, Chairman of the Board, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Uganda:

“We see tremendous potential in Uganda’s aquaculture sector. This facility will enhance feed quality, support farmers, and strengthen food security across the region.”

The new factory will directly and indirectly support up to 10,000 jobs on fish farms and create markets for more than 15,000 smallholder farmers supplying maize, cassava, and soybeans as raw materials. It also incorporates sustainability features, including a biomass boiler that minimizes fossil fuel use.

Bon Tjeenk-Willink, Managing Director of De Heus Uganda, emphasized the transformative nature of the project:

“By sourcing local crops and producing premium feeds, we are driving a shift from import dependence to value-added production, supporting both aquaculture and smallholder farmers.”

Founded in the Netherlands more than a century ago, De Heus entered the Ugandan market in 2015 and has since grown into a trusted partner for livestock and fish farmers. The company provides not only feed but also technical expertise and farmer training to boost profitability and resilience.

The launch event was attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, and local leaders—underlining the importance of aquaculture in Uganda’s economic future.

With the Njeru plant now operational, Uganda’s aquaculture sector is set for accelerated growth, easing pressure on natural fish stocks while contributing to food security, exports, and rural incomes.