January 2, 2007

Uganda fish export earnings to rise to US$ 150 million

Uganda's fish export earnings would increase from US$ 145 million last year to US$ 150 million this year, the commissioner for fisheries predicted.

Dick Nyeko said the earnings excluded what they got from neighbouring countries, adding they have recently been inspected by the EU.

A grant of US$ 4.5 million for the Uganda-Egypt Aquatic Weed Control Project for 2007-2009, Nyeko believes would go towards improving fish handling at landing sites.

Egypt accounts for 99 percent of fish farming in Africa. Fish farming in Uganda contributes 18 percent to the agriculture sector, figure expected to rise due to adequate rains, he said.

Meanwhile, the country would continue to organise training courses for engineers and technicians in water resources management, irrigation and drainage, pointed out project's executive director, Dr Ahmed Ragab.