WAKISO – State Minister for Industry Hon. David Bahati has welcomed Masheda Foods’ Shs60 billion investment in an aquaculture feeds manufacturing plant and Black Soldier Fly production facility in Buyala, Wakiso District, describing it as a significant boost to Uganda’s industrialisation drive and fisheries sector.
Bahati made the remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the two facilities, noting that the investment would strengthen local production of fish feeds, support farmers and create opportunities for growth in Uganda’s aquaculture industry.
The Minister highlighted the high cost of fish feeds, which accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of aquaculture production expenses, stressing that establishing local manufacturing capacity would help reduce production costs and improve the competitiveness of Ugandan fish farmers.
He observed that investments in locally manufactured feeds would also reduce reliance on imported inputs while strengthening the country’s capacity to serve the growing demand for fish and related products.
Bahati further highlighted Uganda’s fish export earnings, which reached US$216 million in 2025, contributing approximately 2.2 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He encouraged Masheda Foods to look beyond the domestic market and explore opportunities across the East African Community and the wider African continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Minister urged the company to embrace the philosophy of “Buy Africa, Build Africa”, noting that expanding regional and continental trade would create opportunities for local industries, strengthen value addition and contribute to economic transformation.
The Shs60 billion investment is expected to strengthen Uganda’s aquaculture value chain through the production of locally manufactured fish feeds and the utilisation of Black Soldier Fly technology as an alternative source of protein in animal feed production.
The development adds to efforts to promote industrial growth, reduce production costs and position Uganda as a competitive player in the regional and continental aquaculture industry.
