Fish farming is slowly becoming one of the commercially rewarding business ventures, thus the trade has drawn itself a niche from both Uganda and international entrepreneurs.

The development of integrated fish production farms into a commercial activity is a sure way to boost a country's economy. However, much of the trade though profitable is still conducted on a small scale.

Commercial fish farming has been boosted by recent reports of dwindling fish numbers in most lakes and rivers around the country, which is squarely blamed on over fishing, indiscriminate fishing and government's reluctance to enforce proper fishing guidelines among others.

According to Mr Ben Musoloza, the director of Ssisa Integrated Fish Farm, the trade has provided many poor families with a livelihood. He told Smart Money recently: "I was introduced to the business by a friend. After which I started sourcing for more information from the internet."

He adds: "I have been into this business since 2004 although I started planning for it in 2000."

Ssisa Integrated Fish Farm is a youth project, which has assisted many young people to shape their lives. From just six employees in its early days, the project has grown to create employment to over 40 youths.

For many years lakes and rivers have been the only sources of fish production, however, the trend is being threatened by dwindling numbers due to environmental damage i.e. oil spills and industrial pollution among others.

This trend has pushed Ugandans to look for alternative projects, which as a result has created an investment avenue for many farmers and entrepreneurs.

Apart from providing a livelihood to Ugandans, fish as a source represents a valuable foundation of micronutrients, minerals, fatty acids and proteins, which is a good ingredient in man's nutritional gradient.

Fish farming, is still one of the country's untapped potentials, which needs to be exploited to assist in the growth of the country. According to Ms Halima Nabukenya Kisalita of Kijapan Fish Farm, fish farming is a profitable business; however it has demands. Just like any other business, it requires intensive maintenance in order to get better returns.

She says good monitoring and maintenance is necessary due to the high growth rate of water weeds, which if left unweeded can lead to destruction of fish.

Having got the idea of fish farming while on a tour to Kenya, Ms Nabukenya, a housewife has never looked back since 2006 when she started the business.

She says: "I saw an opportunity in fish farming therefore, I decided to extend my farming interest and since then I have made enough money to appreciate the trade."

Mr Musoloza told Smart Money that though few people have taken interest in fish farming, it's one of the most profitable businesses; much as, it requires time, patience and determination.

Ssisa covers a total of 50 acres of land, bought with profits from the 14 fish ponds that the project has. Six of the 50 acres are used for commercial fish farming whereas the rest is used for the growth of foodstuffs including Matooke and vegetables among others. Although demand for the local market has been large, international markets especially in European and regional countries, has significantly grown in the last decade.

Ms Nabukenya says during preparation for every harvest she spends about Shs5 million to buy fingerlings, feeds and meet other operational costs. However, her harvests, which can take up to six months can yield her up to Shs20 million.

She uses the harvest for reinvestment to improve her social welfare as well as engaging in other forms of development. If taken seriously, fish farming can reduce the pressure on lakes while creating employment and income generating activities as well as a source for foreign exchange.

Mr Moses Jambaka of Kazo -Angola parish, Kawempe division, one of the proprietors of Tusubira Fish Farm - a community project told Smart Money recently that the project that started on a small piece of land has grown to have 10 acres with an accumulation of seven fish ponds and an improved hatchery. He says: "The project was started with a Shs2 million donation, which was given to us by the Kampala City Council Central Division."

The community project provides employment and facilitates soft loans to members of Corner-Zone in Kazo-Angola.

Mr Jambaka says the project is able to get production worth over Shs10 million, a portion of which is reinvested and then the rest distributed to members of the project. He says the project has uplifted many lives in the area.