Mujje Tulye from Uganda/A trip to Ggaba landing site, a centre of fish trade

Fish in Uganda edit

There are two major sources of fish in Uganda; aquaculture and fresh water bodies. Most fishing activities take place in lakes and rivers. Uganda has five major lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, Lake Edward and Lake George. These are the main sources of fish in the country. Most of the fishing activities take place on Lake victoria, followed by Lake Albert and then Lake Kyoga.

The districts surrounding Lake Victoria, particularly Mukono, Mpigi, Kalangala, Masaka and Luwero, are the main sources of fish consumed in the country and that which is exported. These districts are also the major markets for fish in Uganda. Districts surrounding lake Kyoga, Albert, George and Edward, are alsi important sources abd markets for fish in Uganda.

However, the rural areas and those thatbate far from the strong fish markeys, suffer from inadequate fish supplies.

Primary production of fish is on a small-scale. Most of the fishing is done using small, wooden (plank-built) boats about six to eight meters in length propelled by oars. Boats with petrol engines are also used but by a few who can afford them. The can only carry small loads of fish per fishing trip.

The waters of uganda contain over 90 fish species. The fish commonly caught in Uganda includes:

  • Catfish
  • Nile perch
  • Singidia tilapia
  • Nile tilapia
  • Silver fish
  • Lungfish
  • Eels
  • Sprat
  • Clarias

Nile perch and nile tilapia are the most commonly caught.

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_in_Uganda

Gaba landing site edit

 
Gabba landing site
 
Fishing nets used in Uganda
 
A fisherman preparing a net for fishing at Gaba landing site, Kampala
 
Weighing fish
 
Fisherman with nile perch at Gaba landing site
 
Scaling fish
 
Cleaning fish
 
Woman displays fresh fish for sale, next to her is a weighing scale

Ggaba landing site is located in Gaba, Kampala, on the shores of lake victoria. It serves as a destination for fishermen returning to the shore and for buyers of fish. The site is developed with a market where for fish and raw food are sold, refrigeration units and offices for Kampala Capital City authority, which supervises the activities on the site.

Fishing at Gaba landing site
Fishermen do not live at the site. They set off from the site to fish in the deeper waters where most fish is found, then return to the site to sell it.The fish mostly caught and traded at the site include: Nile perch, tilapia, lung fish and cat fish. Most of the fish is caught in deeper waters. Tilapia however is caught near the shore.

Fishing has changed at the site over the years, fom using small canoes to using motorized boats. The mode of transportation of fish has also evolved. The fish are moved in containers with ice, unlike before when they were simply dropped inside a boat and then delivered.

Story : http://wikiuganda.wordpress.com/2014/11/17/fishing-in-uganda/

How fish is prepared, cooked and presented in Uganda edit

Fish Stew/ Smoked Fish Stew edit

Ingredients edit

  • garlic cloves
  • onion
  • pil
  • tomatoes
  • curry powder
  • smoked fish (washed)

Preparation edit

  • shallow fry onions until they become translucent
  • add the sliced tomatoes, crushed garlic and then cook until soft
  • add curry powder and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes
  • finally add the Fish/smoked fish stew and cook for about 15 minutes, until the fish is tender

Presentation edit

The fish is usually served with rice , matooke, leafy greens and peanut sauce. One can take a glass of fruit juice along with it.

Steamed Fish edit

Ingredients edit

  • whole fresh fish
  • fish spice
  • banana leaves
  • onions
  • finely-chopped tomatoes

Preparation edit

  • use the fish spice (fish masala) and salt to season the fish
  • lay the banana leaves and diced onions and tomatoes in the centre
  • put the clean fresh fish on top
  • add some diced onions and tomatoes on the fish
  • wrap the fish in the banana leaves and place it in a sauce pan with cut banana stems and water
  • cover the sauce pan with another banana leave to keep the moisture in.
  • let it steam for 30 minutes

Presentation edit

Unwrap the banana leaves and serve the fish with rice, matooke, leafy greens and peanut sauce.It can be served along side a glass of fruit juice


Whole Deep fried Fish edit

Ingredients edit

 
Deep fried fish and sweet potatoes
 
Deep frying fish
  • whole fresh fish
  • vegetable cooking oil
  • crushed ginger
  • crushed garlic
  • lemon slices
  • salt

Preparation edit

  • marinate the fish before hand with a mixture of garlic, ginger and salt
  • leave it to stand for about 20 minutes
  • heat cooking oil in a pan
  • place the fish in the pan with oil and let it deep fry till its golden brown
  • remove it from the oil and let the excess oil drip off

Presentation edit

The fish is served with a plate of chips, coleslaw and lemon slices.