By Jocare Media reporter
Kumi District, Uganda – A determined group of farmers in Morupeded village, Ongino Sub-county, has launched a transformative fish farming initiative aimed at boosting household incomes and eradicating poverty in the community.
The group, known as Moru-Kaleng, is made up of 32 committed members who initially came together under a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). Each member has been saving UGX 10,000 weekly for the past three years, resulting in a remarkable financial trajectory: UGX 30 million saved in the first year, UGX 40 million in the second, and UGX 60 million this year.
Despite facing initial setbacks such as limited startup capital and inconsistent savings from some members, the group remained focused on their dream of launching a fish farming enterprise. According to group chairperson Sam Okusa, their perseverance has paid off — they have now successfully stocked 3,000 fish as part of the project’s first phase.
Bosco Okilan, a Community-Based Facilitator and group member, highlighted some of the challenges they are currently grappling with. These include a lack of a protective fence around the fish pond, insufficient equipment for pond construction, and water scarcity during dry seasons.
“We’ve come a long way, and unlike many groups that collapsed along the way, Moru-Kaleng has stayed strong and united. But we need more support to scale this initiative,” Okilan said, calling on local leaders and development partners for support.
Group members shared how the project has already begun to change lives. From being able to meet basic needs to paying school fees for their children, the fish farming project is proving to be a game-changer.
“We believe that poverty will soon be history in our homes,” one optimistic member shared.
George William Atiang, the area councilor for Morupeded, lauded the group for promoting peace and unity in the village.
“Since this group was formed, we’ve seen a drop in local conflicts. Members are engaged in productive work, and families are better off with food and income. This is the kind of transformation we want in every village,” Atiang said.
Local leaders are now advocating for government and NGO intervention to replicate and support such grassroots initiatives across the region, citing fish farming as a simple
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