In response to Uganda’s growing need for sustainable protein sources and the challenges facing its fish-farming industry, De Heus Animal Nutrition has launched the construction of its first dedicated aquafeed factory in East Africa. Located in Njeru, just outside Jinja on the shores of Lake Victoria, this facility represents a pivotal moment for the country’s food security and agricultural innovation.
1. A Beacon for Aquaculture in East Africa
In June 2023, De Heus broke ground on a state-of-the-art aquafeed plant in Njeru, Jinja marking the first of its kind in Uganda.
At full capacity, the facility is projected to produce 50,000 metric tons of fish feed per year, meeting the growing demand across Uganda and neighboring East African markets. The plant is expected to be operational by early 2025.
👉 Learn more from De Heus here.
2. Why Uganda is a Prime Aquaculture Market
- Uganda’s climate and geography with large lakes and stable water bodies make it ideal for year-round fish farming.
- Fish plays a significant role in the Ugandan diet, averaging 10 kg per person annually.
- With wild fish stocks declining due to overfishing, fish farming is the future of food security in Uganda.
👉 Read about Uganda’s aquaculture growth.
3. Improving Supply Chains and Accessibility
Before this plant, most aquafeed was imported from Zambia, Egypt, Brazil, and Vietnam making supply chains unreliable and costly.
By producing locally, De Heus will shorten supply chains, lower costs, and improve feed accessibility for Uganda’s fish farmers.
4. Technological Excellence & Quality Assurance
The Njeru plant will feature modern imported technologies for efficient, reliable production and will include an on-site laboratory to ensure strict quality control.
👉 De Heus expands factories worldwide.
5. Economic and Social Benefits
- Creation of local jobs in production, logistics, and farming.
- Boosting local agriculture by sourcing maize, cassava, and soy for feed.
- Community impact: De Heus has already opened its first aqua feeds shop in Jinja.
👉 De Heus & Enabel partnership for farmers.
6. Partnering for Sustainable Growth
In May 2025, De Heus partnered with Enabel, the Belgian development agency, to strengthen Uganda’s fish value chain. This includes training youth, supporting SMEs, and introducing sustainable feed solutions.
Conclusion
The De Heus aquafeed plant in Njeru symbolizes more than industrial growth it’s a strategic investment in food security, aquaculture innovation, and rural livelihoods. With world-class infrastructure and community-focused partnerships, this facility sets the stage for Uganda’s aquaculture revolution.
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