Built in Uncertainty.
Sustained by Purpose.
Founder
Isabella Alexandria Katwesigye
In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty knocked hard on our door. I was working in logistics when we were informed that salaries in sales would be cut by 20%. My husband, who is self-employed, was facing delayed payments as the economy slowed down. Like many families, we were stretched, anxious, and navigating deep uncertainty.
A visit to a landing site changed everything. My cousin had invited me to visit his ice plant. Standing among fishermen, surrounded by the raw rhythm of lake life, I learned that opportunity often hides in places we overlook. I wondered: if fish was this abundant here, why did families in Kampala struggle to access fresh, well-prepared fish conveniently?
With UGX 100,000 in my bag, we bought five fish. I insisted they be thoroughly cleaned, gutted, and cut into family portions, packed in an ice box. We drove back to Kampala with one bold idea, and before we even reached home, the fish were sold. That moment became Fresh Kyenyanja.
"We’ve taken humble beginnings and turned them into a journey of elevating everyday meals—one customer, one order, one experience at a time."
Listening Built Our Business
We did not begin with a grand master plan; we began with listening. Our first marketing strategy was printing posters that boldly read: “From the Lake to Your Doorstep — The Best Fish in Kampala” and pinning them across estates. We purchased ziplock bags because presentation mattered, and we gifted beautifully packed fish to pastors, asking them to share the message.
Growth Driven by Your Voice
When beaches closed during lockdown
Bachelors needed fried fish, so we launched ready-to-eat meals.
When children struggled with bones
Parents asked for safer options, so we developed fillets and cubes.
When families grew tired of only fresh fish
They requested smoked options, and we introduced smoking.
Today, Fresh Kyenyanja is a purpose-driven Ugandan fish company. We operate from our Bukoto-based facility, sourcing premium Tilapia and Nile Perch from four trusted fishermen across landing sites—relationships we have nurtured consistently for five years.
Three Main Offerings
To elevate your experience, every fish that comes to our facility is carefully selected for our offerings.
Fresh raw fish and fillets
We take the work off your hands—cleaned, descaled, gutted, and cut exactly to your family’s preference. Freshly packed and ready for your kitchen, it’s healthy eating made simple: place your order and we’re at your doorstep, zero stress
Ready-to-Eat
We’ve turned everyday fish into exciting gourmet experiences—from crowd-favorite fish fingers to grilled fillets and flavorful stir fry—so you never get bored. Dine in at our Bukoto restaurant or enjoy quick deliveries across Kampala, straight to your doorstep
Production & Value Addition
We are not selling fish-we are packaging nostalgia, we are exporting Uganda's heritage and pride. At Fresh kyenyanja we are bold and right about smoked fillets becoming a flagship product that tells the world;This is Uganda,this is our flavor,this is our pride. We bring the taste of home to life,transforming fish into an experience that travels
More Than Just a Meal.
Every Fillet Empowers a Future.
When you order from Fresh Kyenyanja, you aren’t just buying dinner. You are supporting an ecosystem. We are proud to be a woman-founded business that mentors and employs women and youth through the Oyster Women Initiative.
We are building a community where fair trade, mentorship, and sustainable fishing go hand in hand.
Learn About Our ImpactTo lead Africa in fish value addition while making premium fish the everyday protein of choice for families.
Why We Do It
Fresh Kyenyanja was not built because I loved fish; it was built because I loved my family. We are not just selling fish. We are restoring dignity to local supply chains, adding value where others see raw product, and proving that African businesses can grow from grit and integrity.
When intention meets action, and action meets consistency — growth is inevitable.