In accordance with a request from the Government of Uganda for assistance in fish culture development the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under its United Nations Development Programme (Technical Assistance), appointed Mr. K. M. Apostolski (Yugoslavia), as Inland Fishery Biologist (Fish Culture).
The expert served in Uganda from 24 January 1967 to 15 December 1967. His terms of reference were:
To advise and assist the Government of the Republic of Uganda in increasing and improving the production of cultivable food fish through:
conduct and evaluation of experiments, especially with regard to food, feeding and fertilization
extension of fish culture and management practices
development of fish farms, particularly in Kigezi district
study of Nile perch
training of local workers, and other related duties
This mission should be regarded as a continuation of the technical assistance programme: “Experimental fish culture project in Uganda”, carried out by Mr. A. G. Wurtz, FAO/TA Inland Fishery Biologist, from August 1959 to July 1960, and later by Mr. Y. Pruginin, FAO/TA Fish Culturist, from July 1962 to July 1964, and from February 1965 to December 1966.
In FAO/EPTA Report No. 1387, Mr. Wurtz expressed his opinion concerning Tilapia culture in Uganda, and pointed out the problem of rapid reproduction and subsequent over-population of ponds. Further experiments with other species were recommended, particularly with carp (Cyprinus carpio), which had already been introduced into Uganda from Israel.
Mr. Pruginin, during his first assignment (1962 to 1964) concentrated on carp fry and fingerling production, pond carrying capacity, stocking rates and feeding, mixed cultures of Tilapia species and carp, monosex culture of Tilapia hybrids, and density control using Nile perch. The results of these studies are reported in FAO/EPTA Report No. 1960.
During his second assignment (1965 to 1966), Mr. Pruginin paid special attention to the implementation of results obtained from his experimental studies on carp and Tilapia hybrids. Confirmation of earlier results were achieved, and recommendations were made for the further development of fish farming in the various regions.
Experiments with carp culture at Kajansi Experimental Station:
feeding experiments with feeds available in the Uganda markets
fertilization with chicken manure and chemical fertilizers
Experiments with Tilapia species:
hybridization of plant-feeding species of Tilapia
Study of farm ponds and natural waters:
evaluation of feeding and management practices in farm ponds
study of natural water conditions, especially in the spawning grounds of Nile perch, with the aim of inducing these species to spawn in the Kajansi Experimental Station ponds
investigation of the economic aspects of carp culture and fish farming in Uganda
Extension work
examination of regions for fish farm development
advise and help fish farm development in selected or recommended areas
management advice on fish culture in reservoirs
After his arrival in Kampala, the expert was based at the Kajansi Experimental Station, and visited different parts of the country for observational, experimental and extension work.
Mr. E. S. Kanyike, Fishery Officer, in charge of the Station, was designated as counterpart to the expert. Mr. G. D. Luyimbazi, Fishery Officer, was also a counterpart from January to October 1967, when he was transferred to Kigezi district as a Regional Fishery Officer for that area. Mr. F. Wabwire, Fishery Assistant, was the assistant counterpart to the expert.
The expert left Kampala on 15 December 1967 for FAO Headquarters in Rome, where he terminated his assignment on 31 December 1967.
The expert wishes to express his thanks to all the people who collaborated and helped him with his work. Especial thanks are due to the Hon. J. K. Babiiha, Minister of Animal Industry, Game and Fisheries, who showed keen interest in fish culture development.
He also desires to acknowledge the help and cooperation offered to him by the following members of the Fisheries Department: Mr. S. N. Semakula, Chief Fishery Officer; Miss C. M. Humphreys, Secretary to the Chief Fishery Officer; and to the other officers of the Department. Mr. E. S. Kanyike and Mr. G. D. Luyimbazi gave generous assistance to the expert, and without their help the programme of experiments could not have been carried out.
Appreciation is also recorded for the assistance given by Mr. F. Wabwire, Fishery Assistant at Kajansi.
