Abstract:

Mukene is a cheap source of protein. Because of its small size, appropriate amounts can be packed or heaps prepared according to the affordability of the consumers. The majority of mukene is dried in unhygienic conditions (mainly on sand) and results in a poor quality product. Well-processed mukene can be a good source of fish protein for humans. Studies have shown that of the three countries sharing the lake, Uganda has the lowest consumption rate of Mukene. Unlike in Kenya where the yield of mukene is not enough for the internal market, in Uganda most of mukene ends up in the neighboring countries, which include Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Kenya. The department therefore intends to encourage Ugandans to sundry their mukene on raised racks in order to attain good quality mukene fit for human consumption. Higher prices are paid for better-dried mukene. This quality of the product will also attract more human consumers and will thus make mukene compete favorably in the diet of Ugandans with other table fishes from Lake Victoria.