In a bold step toward transforming the fisheries and aquaculture sector, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), is set to conduct the Uganda Aquaculture Census 2025, beginning in May.
This groundbreaking census will be the first of its kind to gather structural data on Uganda’s aquaculture industry. It will provide a national benchmark for understanding the number, size, and location of fish farms, as well as the characteristics of aquaculture households and their land use practices.
UBOS will collect data from all aquaculture farms — whether household-based or commercial — across every district, city, municipality, and town council. The scope includes production levels, types of aquaculture systems, technologies in use, and the environmental effects of aquaculture. Additionally, socio-economic information about farm operators will be gathered to inform development planning.
The census will cover all sub-regions including Acholi, Central, East Central, Elgon, Karamoja, Lango, South Western, Teso, West Nile, and Western Uganda. This nationwide exercise is expected to generate accurate, high-quality data to support evidence-based policies and investments in the aquaculture sector.
UBOS reaffirmed its commitment to producing reliable statistics that drive national planning and sustainable economic growth. The Aquaculture Census 2025 is a key milestone in the journey to strengthen Uganda’s “Blue Economy” and improve livelihoods through better management of fisheries resources.
