For years, Mpagazihe Jackson relied on maize farming to make ends meet. Despite his hard work, his earnings barely covered his family's basic needs. That changed in August 2023 when he decided to take a leap of faith into fish farming, using funds from the Parish Development Model (PDM). Today, his success is an inspiration to many.
During a visit to his farm in Kimbugu Village, Kabwoya Sub-County, Kikuube District, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commended Mpagazihe’s efforts, noting that his story proves that fish farming is both profitable and sustainable.
“Many people feared that starting a fishpond was expensive, but Mpagazihe has proven that even with little money, it is possible,” President Museveni said.
Starting Small, Thinking Big
With an initial PDM grant of shs980,000, Mpagazihe invested shs500,000 in constructing his first fishpond. He used shs500,000 to purchase fingerlings and relied on proceeds from maize farming to buy fish feed.
“After eight months, I harvested my first batch of fish in April 2024. I sold 150 fish at shs5,000 each, earning shs750,000. Over the following weeks, I sold more, and after six months, I had made shs1.5 million,” he said.
Encouraged by his success, he reinvested in expanding his farm. By his second harvest in December 2024, his earnings had grown.
“I sold 150 fish for shs750,000, and after another six months, I made shs900,000. I later sold another 50 fish for shs500,000 and earned an extra shs800,000 from daily sales,” he explained.
A Thriving Business
Today, Mpagazihe owns six fishponds stocked with 20,000 fish, though two are yet to be stocked with fingerlings.
“So far, I have harvested twice and made shs2.9 million from the second round. For the third round, I expect to harvest 7,000 fish,” he said.
Despite using only half an acre of land, his earnings have far surpassed what he made from maize farming.
“I used to farm maize on a large scale but only made shs400,000 per year. Now, from just half an acre, I earn shs200,000 per month, which I never got from maize farming,” he said.
With steady profits, he now pays school fees for his children without struggle.
“After selling my fish, I now make around shs1.3 million per season. This has enabled me to pay school fees for my children, who were previously sent home due to unpaid dues,” he said.
Inspiring a Community
Mr. Mpagazihe’s success has attracted interest from his neighbors.
“Two of my neighbors have come to benchmark my fish ponds, and I have trained them on how to start their own,” he noted.
He also expressed gratitude to the government for introducing the PDM program.
“I want to thank the President for bringing PDM. I believe it will change lives for those who use the funds wisely,” he said.
To support his initiative, President Museveni contributed shs10 million for a tuk-tuk to aid transportation and a fish feed-making machine to boost production.
“I want to thank Mpagazihe for his hard work and innovation. He is a living example of how the PDM can change lives if embraced fully,” President Museveni remarked.
As Mpagazihe prepares for his next harvest, his journey stands as proof that with the right support and determination, small investments can turn into thriving enterprises.
