KAMPALA, Uganda — Masheda Foods, a fish farming enterprise, has opened a new catfish processing factory in Buyala, Mpigi District. The 25-acre facility, located about 15 kilometers from Kampala along Mityana Road, is a key part of the company’s integrated production system.
The company, which specializes in commercial catfish farming and processing, is focused on providing sustainably farmed catfish products. Marvin Lwasa, managing director at Masheda Holdings, described the significance of the new launch.
“With the launch of this state-of-the-art processing facility, Masheda is transforming its vision into reality. It’s a local enterprise hub that empowers youth and women, strengthens Uganda’s food value chain, and elevates our 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,” Lwasa said.
Sherinah Ainembabazi Nabakooza, a director at Masheda Foods, said the factory marks a new phase of growth for the company.
“With the opening of our new processing facility, Masheda is stepping into a new league of premium aquaculture. This factory enables us to deliver freshly smoked fillets, burgers, sausages, and catfish powder at scale without ever 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.
Masheda’s market reach includes more than 60 retail outlets in Kinshasa, with distribution in Nairobi and plans to launch on Amazon in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and France. The company sources over 80% of its inputs locally, fostering rural-urban linkages and supplier development through its out-grower scheme.
In addition to its business operations, Masheda has implemented several social impact projects. Since 2020, Masheda Mixed Farm has trained over 500 formerly homeless youth, many of whom now operate their own ponds as out-growers. The company also established Nkore Designs by Masheda, a weaving workshop that provides training and an income stream for single mothers in the Buyala area.
