Top Uganda Fish Catches

Uganda’s fishing industry is a vital sector, supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to the national economy. The country is endowed with vast freshwater resources, most notably Lake Victoria—the largest lake in Africa—along with Lakes Kyoga, Albert, Edward, and George. The top fish catches in Uganda include Nile perch (Lates niloticus), which dominates exports, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and various species of catfish (notably Bagrus docmak and Clarias gariepinus). Historically, fishing in Uganda has been practiced for centuries by local communities, but the industry expanded rapidly in the 1990s following the introduction and commercialization of Nile perch in Lake Victoria. This led to a booming export market, particularly to Europe, though it also brought ecological challenges. Today, Uganda’s fishing industry is a mix of artisanal and commercial operations, with ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and combat overfishing.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.