Natural Sciences
Mak Researchers develop Innovative Integrated Wetlands-bivalve system to Mitigate Effects of Pollution in Aquaculture farms in the Lake Victoria Basin
By Hasifa Kabejja & Dr. Robinson Odong
Overview
The fisheries sub-sector in Uganda is crucial, supporting over 5 million livelihoods and providing essential protein for up to 17 million people, with an average consumption of 10 kg per capita. Uganda’s population is projected to double in the next 27 years, prompting the National Development Plan III to aim for a significant increase in fish production, with aquaculture expected to contribute 1 million MT by 2030. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2022 emphasizes adherence to National Environmental Management principles to achieve sustainable production systems.
However, as aquaculture grows, the sector faces environmental challenges due to increased intensive production and on-farm waste, including nutrients from feed, uneaten feed, poor quality feeds, pseudofeces, escaped farmed fish, and residual chemicals. These pollutants pose risks such as habitat quality deterioration, biodiversity loss, eutrophication of waterways, and the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.
Mitigating the effects of environmental pollution from aquaculture
Through a Project titled: Mitigating the Effects of Environmental Pollution from aquaculture on freshwater resources in Lake Victoria Basin (MEEP), researchers from Makerere University in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) set out to assess the effects of aquaculture facilities and practices on Lake Victoria, its catchment rivers and wetlands. The team led by Dr Ronald Semyalo from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS) at Makerere University subsequently examined the effectiveness of innovative technologies, such as integrated wetland-bivalve systems, in mitigating these impacts. They also reviewed the application of national environment and aquaculture regulations in controlling environmental pollution. The study surveyed fish farms in three districts of Buikwe, Jinja, and Mukono within the Victoria Water Management Zone. Other project team members were: Dr Jerome Lugumira from NEMA, Dr Robinson Odong and Mr. Drake Ssempijja from ZEFS, Makerere University, and Ms. Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer at Makerere. The Project was supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF).
During their engagement with different stakeholders in the fishing industry including the fish farmers from Jinja, Buikwe and Mukono, as well as experts from the Directorate of Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment, NEMA, and the Directorate of Aquaculture Development at MAAF, the research team established that only 138 out of 380 registered fish farms were active, with 45.6% of the farms in Jinja, 35.5% in Mukono; and 18.8% in Buikwe. Overall, over 60% of the farms were inactive posing serious environmental threats.
Dissemination of the research findings
On 26th June 2024, the project team held a workshop at Colline Hotel Mukono to disseminate the research finding to stakeholders who included fish farmers from Buikwe, Jinja and Mukono, District Fisheries Officers, as well as representatives from NEMA and MAAIF. In the presentations, the team highlighted the environmental impacts of aquaculture practices and the possibility of innovatively using nature-based, environmentally friendly innovations as a mitigation measure. The presentations covered farm characteristics, water and feed management practices, water quality assessments and waste management methods. The participants engaged in discussion on the implications of the results and shared their experiences and challenges in managing aquaculture operations.
Key findings as disseminated by the PI
Out of the 380 farms, 119 were assessed. Below are the key findings;
- Environmental Impact Assessment: It was established that 81% of the farmers had not conducted Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental audits. This, the researchers noted was one of the major causes of abandoned farms.
- Farm Characteristics: The majority of farms used earthen ponds (66.9%) and were semi-intensive (63.6%), relying on manufactured feed and pond fertilization. Intensive farms (30.5%) exclusively used manufactured feeds, while extensive farms (4.2%) relied solely on pond fertilization.
- Fish Species: Nile tilapia was the top choice (96.1%) for monoculture farms, while tilapia and catfish were preferred for polyculture systems (46.9%). Intensive farms predominantly farmed Nile tilapia.
- Demographics: Most respondents were male (90.7%), with a median age of 35 years. The largest age group was 31 to 59 years (43.2%).
- Fish diseases: The research revealed a number of diseases affecting aquaculture including: lesions/wounds on the belly and cysts on the scales, skin lesions and cysts on the belly, popping eyes and white substance on fins, open skin wounds, open wounds on the head, skin lesions – greyish, swollen eyes, whitish and black patches on the skin on the pelvic fin, wounds on the head.
- Water Use: Fish farms primarily relied on spring water and lake water. Other sources, such as streams, wells, and rivers, were also utilized. In most cases, the water source was shared with the community. Only a small percentage of respondents acknowledged any known disease outbreaks on their farms. There was a strong association between the district in which the farm was located and the water source used. Majority of those using lake water were in Jinja District, while most of those using spring water were in Mukono District. Additionally, there was a significant association between the fish species cultured and the water source used.
- Feed Management: A significant proportion of the farms heavily relied on factory-made feeds. These feeds were often used in combination with farm feed materials, such as maize bran, potato vines, yam leaves, and kitchen waste. A smaller number of farmers exclusively relied on farm-made feeds, while an even smaller percentage solely relied on pond fertilization. Manufactured feeds were used in various forms: powder and floating pellets, powder, crumble, and floating pellets, powder only, floating pellets only, and sinking pellets. The most prevalent method of feed delivery was feeding by response, while some farms also practiced feeding by ration.
- Waste Management: The findings indicated a concerning lack of treatment for aquaculture effluent, with majority of respondents (69%) releasing it directly into natural streams or wetlands. This highlights the need for improved environmental management practices. Common waste sources included faecal matter and dead fish. Most farms incinerated or buried solid waste.
- Water Quality: Measurements at the representative visited farms showed compliance with FAO optimal conditions for fish farms. The physicochemical parameters of the farms visited were in line with FAO optimal conditions for fish farms.
- Prevailing Regulatory System: A comprehensive gap analysis was conducted to supplement the findings from the survey. It aimed to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement in current policies and regulations governing aquaculture. It also evaluated the effectiveness of existing measures in addressing environmental pollution, waste management, and sustainable water use. This exercise provided a foundation for developing more robust and effective regulatory frameworks that support sustainable aquaculture practices, protect water resources, and enhance the overall environmental health of the Lake Victoria basin.
Project output
***Innovative Integrated wetlands-bivalves system was developed to mitigate the impact of pollution emanating from aquaculture on the environment
Effluent from poor aquaculture practices may contain uneaten feed residues and associated components, such as suspended solids, nutrient nitrogen and phosphorus and organic materials. If discharged without any form of treatment, such effluent contributes to excessive nutrient enrichment of water bodies, a phenomenon referred to as eutrophication. Eutrophic waters have diminished ecological value, for example are low in oxygen level and can lead to fish kills. Wetland plants, such as duckweeds can aid in cleansing of aquaculture effluent of excess pollutants, through various mechanisms. For example, the plant roots adsorb suspended solids, besides offering conducive attachment surfaces for beneficial microorganisms which perform various nutrient recycling roles. The plants also uptake excess nutrients, hence reducing their levels in water. Bivalves (Molluscs) are filter feeders, hence uptake and cleanse water of detrital or solid materials, hence augmenting the roles of the plants. The integration of wetlands-bivalves system offer synergistic roles in aquaculture effluent treatment. The plants and bivalves used in the treatment can in turn be removed and used for other beneficial purposes.
Presentation on policy gaps
During the dissemination workshop, Dr Jerome Lugumira, the Natural Resources Manager, Soils and Land Use at NEMA sensitized participants on the National Environment Act, 2019 with special emphasis on policy regulations for the aquaculture sector. He emphasized the need to acquire an EIA certificate before engaging in aquaculture. Highlighting the gaps in policy, Dr Lugumira noted that Schedule 4 of the National Environment Act, 2019 does not sufficiently guide the Fisheries sector; while the Physical Planning Act, 2010 is biased towards physical development planning, and the Water Act, 1997 provides for a waste discharge permit but no consideration of the extent of wastes discharged from fish farms of varying size and intensity is provided.
He further noted that the National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores Management) Regulations, 2000 do not guide on areas where aquaculture best fits, indicating that the application of the 25% wetland area beyond which one needs approval is vague.
Additionally, he explained that the National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations, 2020 refer to fish waste generally and not whether it means waste from fish or all waste from fish farms, such as off-cuts, unwanted materials, and that the National Environment (Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water or Land) Regulations, 2020 consider effluent discharge and not that released in-situ and that disposed directly into water via cages and into soil via land-based systems.
Dr Lugumira called for the review of the National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores Management) Regulations, 2000, by requiring the mandated Lead Agency (WMD) to issue approvals for access to wetlands, and appending guidance on wetlands and lake areas where aquaculture is suitable. He suggested that submissions seeking approval from NEMA should have all required approvals from MAAIF, WMD and DLGs. “The assessment process should be supported by a technical officer skilled in fisheries sciences and not generalists,” he noted.
Overview on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda
Sharing an overview on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda, Mr. Geoffrey Dheyongera, Principal Fisheries Officer at MAAIF, noted that the global decline/stagnation in capture fisheries stocks had increased demand for fish, calling for a boost in fish production through stock enhancement in water bodies and promotion of aquaculture. “There is need for huge investment in aquaculture. The Aquaculture Policy targets 1 million MT from aquaculture through establishment of aquaparks with intensive management activities.”
Key concerns raised by the farmers
During the focused group discussions, participants highlighted a number of factors undermining the growth of the aquaculture sector. These include;
- Ignorance about the laws/policy guidelines
- Low skills and lack of exposure in aquaculture management
- Low numbers of technical staff to guide the farmers
- Inexperienced technical staff
- Cheating by fish seed producers
- Expensive and poor quality feeds
- Fluctuating prices of fish
- Competition with capture fisheries/negative attitude towards farmed fish
- Increased degradation of the environment which affects water quality
- High interest rates on loans
- Farmers fear for exorbitant taxes
Proposals for improvement
- Government should recruit technical staff to assist farmers
- Thorough training of extension staff
- Encourage value addition to farmed fish
- Integrate climate smart interventions in aquaculture
- Policies regulating the sector should be popularized
- Undertake periodical review of the existing policies
- Encourage multi-stakeholder involvement in the implementation of policies
- Invest in research responsive to fish and aquaculture sector needs
- Monitor quality of fish feeds to satisfy farmers’ needs and environmental safety
- Private hatchery operators must be supported by the responsible sector agencies to ensure quality seed. Likewise, fish seed must come from certified hatcheries.
- Inspection of farms should be strengthened
- Train farmers on proper aquaculture management practices
- Farmers should work in groups to reduce production costs, negotiate better prices for their products, access credit facilities and maximize profits
Remarks by the Guest of Honour, Mukono District CAO, and the Principal, CoNAS
In his remarks, the Guest of Honour, also Assistant Commissioner Aquaculture Management at MAAIF, Mr. Alio Andrew, guided the farmers on proper aquaculture practices, and encouraged Ugandans to invest in the fish sector. “The demand for fish has increased. Aquaculture remains a viable option,” he noted. He also raised the need to support private hatchery operators to produce quality seed, emphasizing that fish seed should only be bought from certified hatcheries. He highlighted the significance of biosecurity in aquaculture, and the need to collect appropriate data on the sector.
The CAO Mukono District called for intensified training of farmers in aquaculture management practices. She advised the farmers to work in groups if they are to make reasonable profits.
The Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, acknowledged the involvement of the community in research, and appreciated the fish farmers for actively participating in the project activities. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the continued support towards research at Makerere University. Besides other initiatives geared towards improving research at Makerere, the Government is supporting over 700 research projects at Makerere through the Research and Innovations Fund. He also appreciated MAAIF and NEMA for the technical guidance extended towards the project.
Natural Sciences
BOKU University Charts New Collaboration Strategies with Mak’s Department of Zoology, Entomology & Fisheries Sciences
The Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University on 11th February 2026 hosted a high-level delegation from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), to discuss strategies for future collaboration in a partnership that has spanned five decades.
The meeting followed the BOKU team’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Promotion of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems towards Electricity Access in Uganda project, an initiative designed to expand access to decentralized renewable energy solutions. The project, implemented under CEDAT, is funded by the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR), a programme of the Austrian Development Cooperation administered by OeAD.
Discussions at the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences focused on deepening and broadening a historic collaboration that has shaped aquatic sciences, fisheries research, and environmental management in East Africa for half a century.
A Partnership Rooted in Limnology
The collaboration between Makerere University and BOKU traces its origins to 1975 with the establishment of the International Post-Graduate Course in Limnology (IPGL) by the late Heinz Löffler (1927-2006). The eight-month UNESCO-supported course, hosted in Lunz, Mondsee and Vienna, was designed to train scientists from developing countries in limnology – the study of inland waters.
In 1976, Dr. Gwahaba James Joshua of Makerere’s Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences became the first beneficiary from the university. Two years later, Boniface Makanga attended the UNESCO course and went on to initiate a Marine Practical Course to the Indian Ocean in 1993. That programme has since grown into over 30 years of annual field activity in Mombasa, benefiting undergraduate and master’s students and strengthening hands-on marine science training at Makerere.
Over time, IPGL evolved into a vibrant International Joint Degree Master’s Programme in Limnology and Wetland Management. The programme has built capacity for 123 aquatic professionals – 56 female and 67 male, including 20 from Makerere University. Notably, 11 dedicated limnologists are currently based within the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, a testament to sustained capacity development.
Expanding into Fisheries, Aquaculture and Regional Networks
The Mak-BOKU collaboration progressively expanded beyond limnology into fisheries, aquaculture, and broader freshwater ecosystem management.
Among the key initiatives was STRECAFISH (2015-2018), which focused on strengthening regional capacity in fisheries and aquaculture research and training to improve food security and livelihoods in Eastern Africa. The programme adopted a modular approach, trained 28 MSc students, supported five full PhDs and 11 MSc research projects, and facilitated 14 staff exchanges.
This momentum continued under COTRA (Collaborative Training in Fisheries and Aquaculture in East, Central and Southern Africa) from 2017 to 2023. COTRA enhanced staff and student mobility, supporting 24 master’s students (six credit-seeking and 18 degree-seeking), 12 doctoral candidates (four credit-seeking and eight degree-seeking), and 10 faculty and administrative staff. The initiative emphasized fit-for-purpose PhD training in aquaculture and fisheries to address food security challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa under the ACP-EU Cooperation Programme in Higher Education (EDULINK II), in partnership with institutions such as Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Ongoing collaborations include the Erasmus+ KA1 Learning Mobility of Individuals programme (2021-2027), which connects BOKU and Makerere with Egerton University, Kyambogo University, Addis Ababa University, Bahir Dar University and others. Additional joint initiatives include:
FreshNet: A higher education and research network for sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems in Eastern Africa, involving BOKU, Egerton University, Addis Ababa University, Bahir Dar University, EIAR and IHE Delft.
SWAQ-Uganda (2021-2026): Sustainable water quality management supporting Uganda’s development ambitions, implemented with IIASA, BOKU and Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment.
BIOGOLD (2024–2027): A project on biosorption for sustainable small-scale gold mining in Uganda, involving Kyambogo University, Makerere University, Gulu University, the University for Continuing Education and the University of Pretoria.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore a 50-year-old partnership that has built critical human resources at MSc and PhD levels in aquatic ecosystem management, conservation and utilization. The collaboration has also facilitated acquisition of essential research equipment, strengthened administrative capacity in project management, and nurtured a culture of knowledge sharing and innovation.
Meeting with the BOKU delegation
The BOKU delegation was led by the Rector, Prof. Eva Schulev-Steindl, a specialist in environmental law, and Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Doris Damyanovic, an expert in landscape planning. They were accompanied by:
- Mag. Gerold Winkler, Coordinator of the Applied Limnology / Limnology and Wetland Master’s programme;
- Dr. Mathew Herrnegger, BOKU’s Africa Cooperation Country Coordinator and hydrology specialist; and
- Dr. Andreas Melcher, Africa-Uninet Coordinator from BOKU’s Institute for Development Research.
During the discussions with departmental staff, Dr. Akoll presented a detailed account of the partnership’s evolution and achievements, emphasizing its transformative impact on regional training and research capacity.
Charting the Next Chapter
As the partnership enters its sixth decade, both institutions are keen to expand into new frontiers. Key areas identified for future collaboration include:
- Enhanced staff and student exchanges;
- Joint research projects and co-publications;
- Introduction of short courses at the Makerere University Biological Field Station, Kibale beyond wildlife studies;
- Research on climate change and its effects on marine and freshwater resources;
- Advancement of basic biological research; and
- Strengthening fisheries research and innovation.
In his remarks, the Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Dr. Godfrey Kawooya expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership, noting that it has significantly strengthened regional training capacity and supported the education of numerous Makerere staff and students. He added that the collaboration reinforces Makerere’s standing as one of the most collaborative universities globally and aligns closely with its research agenda.
Rector Schulev-Steindl reaffirmed BOKU’s commitment to advancing the longstanding relationship, describing it as a model of North-South academic cooperation built on mutual respect, shared knowledge and tangible impact.
Event pictorial: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HkCCZf_TCPV0V7_ZR2PSVEw1zrEGhZeJ?usp=sharing
Natural Sciences
Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience
Natural Sciences
Enhancing Data Quality: NutriFishPlus Research Assistants Retooled Ahead of Baseline Survey
The NutriFishPlus Project team successfully conducted a one-day capacity-building training for its research assistants, centered on the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework and the household survey tool. Held on 13th January 2026 at Ridar Hotel Seeta in Mukono District, the training aimed to improve data collection, analysis, and learning processes to support evidence-based project implementation and impact assessment.
It was officially opened by Dr. Jackson Efitre, the Principal Investigator, who introduced the research assistants to the overall goal of the NutriFishPlus Project and the guiding principles of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Scaling Approach. In his remarks, Dr Efitre emphasized the importance of high-quality data in tracking progress, informing adaptive management, and scaling impact.
NutriFishPlus builds on the significant achievements of the ground-breaking NutriFish Project (2019–2023), which was funded by IDRC and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase II (CultiAF2). Officially launched on 28th October 2025, the two-year and eight-month project seeks to scale proven innovations while deepening nutrition, livelihood, and gender outcomes within small pelagic fisheries.
The project aims to:
- Scale up the adoption of improved and sustainable fish processing technologies, including solar tent driers and raised racks, to reach new fishing communities across Uganda.
- Enhance market access and strengthen supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish-based products.
- Empower women and other vulnerable groups while strengthening community resilience through diversified income-generating activities.
Expected Outcomes:
NutriFishPlus is expected to deliver multiple socioeconomic and environmental benefits, including:
- Improved incomes and livelihoods for marginalized fishing communities, particularly women and youth.
- Enhanced health and nutrition outcomes through the development of diversified, market-embedded fish products.
- Establishment of sustainable and replicable fish processing and marketing models across Uganda and the wider East African region.
- Increased participation of women and youth in decision-making and benefit-sharing within the Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) value chain.
- Improved socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem health through participatory and scalable approaches.
Project Implementation and Partnerships
The project is implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University, in partnership with Nutreal Ltd and Kati Farms Ltd under a public-private partnership. Project activities will be carried out at five landing sites across Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, and Albert.
The project team comprises:
- Dr. Jackson Efitre (Principal Investigator)
- Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe (Co-PI from Nutreal Ltd)
- Ms. Lovin Kobusingye (Co-PI from Kati Farms Ltd)
- Dr. Robinson Odong (Project Officer, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University)
- Ms. Juliet Ogubi Nafula (M&E Expert)
- Ms. Nelly Badaru (Gender Specialist)
- Mr. Eugene Swinnerstone Miheso (IT Expert)
- Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi (Kati Farms Ltd)
- Ms. Hasifa Kabejja (Communication Officer)
- Ms. Eve Akongo Ampa (Project Administrator)
Strengthening MEL and Data Quality
During the training workshop, Ms. Juliet Ogubi Nafula guided the team through the NutriFishPlus MEL framework, highlighting its objectives, indicators, results chain, and reporting requirements. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of high-quality data in facilitating project learning, adaptive management, and accountability to donors and beneficiaries.
A key highlight of the training was a hands-on orientation to the household survey tool, led by Mr. Eugene Swinnerstone Miheso. Participants were taken through the structure of the questionnaire, which covers household demographics, nutrition and dietary diversity, fish consumption, livelihoods, value addition, gender dynamics, and food security. Practical sessions enabled the research assistants to practice administering the tool, apply effective probing techniques, and address common field-level challenges.
The training underscored critical ethical considerations in household data collection, including informed consent, confidentiality, and respectful engagement with respondents. Data quality assurance measures such as accurate data recording, use of digital data collection platforms, and daily review protocols were discussed to ensure consistency and reliability.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Efitre emphasized that well-trained research assistants are central to generating credible evidence that reflects the lived realities of beneficiary households. “This training is a vital investment in strengthening our MEL system and ensuring that the evidence we generate informs learning, accountability, and improved project outcomes,” he noted.
The participants expressed gratitude for the interactive and practical nature of the training, noting that the sessions significantly enhanced their confidence and readiness for fieldwork. The training concluded with a question-and-answer session and a brief assessment to confirm participants’ understanding of the MEL framework and household survey tool.
Pre-testing of the household survey tool
Following the training, the project team conducted a pre-test of the household survey tool at Kasenyi Landing Site in Entebbe on 19th January 2026, ahead of the baseline survey. The baseline data collection will be carried out across five landing sites: Katosi (Mukono District), Kikondo (Buikwe District), Bangaladesh and Kayago (Amolatar District), and Dei (Pakwach District), spanning Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, and Albert.
Details on the project at: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/10/mak-conas-launches-nutrifishplus-project/
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