Pader breaks ground on landmark Climate-Smart fish farming project

10 July 2026, 06:04

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Pader District has launched its first Climate Smart Agriculture fisheries project, involving the construction of five fish ponds at Olwornguu Central Cell, Acoro Parish, Pader Town Council. The UGX 97.1 million initiative aims to promote aquaculture, improve household incomes and serve as a demonstration site for climate-smart fish farming in the district.

Pader District has officially handed over the construction site for five fish ponds under the Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project (CSATP) to Blueilex Groups of Company at Olwornguu Central Cell, Acoro Parish, Pader Town Council, marking a major milestone in promoting aquaculture, improving household incomes and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.

The project, which is being implemented under the fisheries value chain of CSATP, will establish the Pader Women Fish Farm and Demonstration Site, which is expected to become a learning centre for farmers interested in modern fish farming practices.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Opoka Saydu Adolatona, District Production Officer, Pader District, said the initiative represents an important step in diversifying agriculture and creating new economic opportunities for communities.

He explained that the fisheries value chain has two components: capture fisheries, mainly implemented in areas near major water bodies, and aquaculture, which is the focus of the Pader project.

The project has a total investment value of UGX 97,168,300, with beneficiaries contributing 20 percent while the Government provides 80 percent.

The Pader Women Fish Farm and Demonstration Site contributed UGX 15,833,700, which enabled the Government contribution of approximately UGX 79 million through the programme’s digital payment system.

Mr. Opoka praised the group for their commitment, saying their ability to raise the required contribution demonstrates that organised communities can successfully benefit from government programmes.

The funds have enabled the group to engage approved suppliers through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) system, leading to the selection of Blueilex Groups of Company to construct five fish ponds measuring 20 metres by 50 metres each.

Representing the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Ms. Amony Catherine, Deputy Town Clerk of Pader Town Council, commended the project, saying aquaculture has great potential to improve incomes, especially in areas where land is limited.

She encouraged the community to embrace fish farming and modern technologies that can enable more people to participate in the sector.

The Fisheries Officer, Mr. Odokonyero Geofrey, Pader District, said the group’s journey started in June last year and required determination, mobilisation and teamwork.

He revealed that the group has 15 members’ seven men and eight women and praised the leadership of Madam Janet, Chairperson of Pader Women Fish Farm and Demonstration Site, for keeping members united.

Madam Janet said the group’s success was built on saving together, income from previous fish sales and individual contributions.

She pledged that the project would become a demonstration centre where other farmers could learn and adopt fish farming.

The LC III Chairperson of Pader Town Council, Mr. Kilama Fearless Wodacholi, described the project as the first Climate Smart Agriculture fisheries initiative in the district and thanked leaders and residents for supporting the investment.

Hon. Esther Lalam, Councillor representing Lunyiri Sub-county and Secretary for Production, Works and Technical Services, Pader District, encouraged more communities to form groups and benefit from government programmes.

The District Chairperson, Hon. Alfred Akena, urged Blueilex Groups of Company to maintain high construction standards and deliver quality work according to approved specifications, adding that successful completion of the project would earn the contractor recommendations for future government assignments.

Representing the Office of the Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Pule Boniface, Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Pader District, congratulated the group for reaching this milestone and called for cooperation from local leaders and residents during implementation.

The project is expected to become a model for sustainable aquaculture, women empowerment and climate-smart economic transformation in Pader District.