Masheda Foods Launches Catfish Factory in Mpigi

Masheda Foods, a leading enterprise in Uganda’s aquaculture sector, has officially launched  its state-of-the-art catfish processing facility in Buyala, Mpigi District.

The 25-acre facility is part of an integrated production ecosystem that spans the entire value chain from hatchery to marketplace.

While officiating at the opening, Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, commended the initiatives like Masheda Foods for their contribution to the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy. 

“The facility is a step toward achieving a $500 billion economy within the next 15 years, a goal he said is part of a “tenfold growth strategy.”

“They are not merely exporting fish; they are adding value bringing in much-needed revenue that is crucial for financing major development projects.”

He emphasized that the country must shift from being a “poor country” to a wealthy one.

Ggoobi laid out the strategy, summarized by the acronym ATMs: Agro industrialization, Tourism, Mineral-based industrialization and manufacturing, Science, Technology, and Innovation.

He noted that the first area, which focuses on adding value to agricultural products, could grow into a $20 billion industry. The government aims to see tourism generate $50 billion and the minerals sector bring in $25 billion.

Esther Ann Ampumuza, Proprietor of Masheda Foods, said With the opening of the new processing facility, Masheda is stepping into a new league of premium aquaculture. 

She revealed that the factory will deliver freshly smoked fillets, burgers, sausages, and catfish powder at scale without compromising on food safety or traceability. 

“We are dedicated to delivering the freshest, highest‑quality catfish products while setting the standard for excellence in fish processing,” she said.

Marvin Lwasa, Managing Director of Masheda Holdings said they are transforming a vision into reality, where  a local enterprise hub that empowers youth and women, strengthens Uganda’s food value chain, and elevates catfish products to premium, world-class standards. 

“This milestone represents Masheda’s promise to create sustainable livelihoods, enhance community nutrition, and turn Buyala into a model of agribusiness and social transformation,” he noted.

Through innovative techniques and a strong sustainability ethos, the company is positioning itself as a key player in Uganda’s expanding aquaculture industry.

The company currently supplies over 60 retail outlets in Kinshasa, maintains active distribution in Nairobi, and has upcoming launches planned on Amazon UK, as well as in Belgium and France targeting Ugandan and African diaspora communities.

In support of local content and inclusive growth, Masheda sources over 80% of its inputs locally. Its out-grower scheme strengthens rural-urban linkages and develops local supplier capacity, creating jobs and empowering small-scale farmers.

Beyond aquaculture, Masheda has invested heavily in community impact, with a Youth Rehabilitation & Empowerment program that was started in 2020. These are trained and employed in pond construction, hatchery operations, harvesting, and value addition.