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.
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.
Our Unique Offerings
To ensure we deliver only the best, every fish arrives at our facility and is intentionally allocated into specialized teams.
Fresh & Raw Department
We clean, gut, descale, and cut according to each family’s preference. Packed securely in ziplock bags, your order arrives ready for your kitchen. We make healthy eating effortless with one order, one delivery, and zero stress.
Ready-to-Eat Kitchen
We offer over 10 fish-based dishes, including fish stir fry, our famous fish fingers, whole fried fish, classic fish & chips, and pan-fried fillets. Whether you are in Bukoto or ordering to your office, we bring versatility to your plate.
Production & Value Addition
Our core focus. We extend shelf life, improve convenience, and elevate how fish is consumed. We specialize in Smoked Tilapia, Smoked Nile Perch fillets, Whole smoked Tilapia, and Nile Perch cubes.
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.