ONANG NANG FISH: Local delicacy that has stood the test of time

Brycinus nurse, commonly known as the Onang-nang fish, is one of the pelagic species caught along the Nile in Pakwach District. It is a popular delicacy among the Alur people of the West Nile region, serving as an affordable and vital source of protein. This silver-grey fish is often sold fried and ready-to-eat, and has become increasingly popular among travelers and urban dwellers as a quick takeaway. To preserve and add value to Onang-nang, locals use several traditional methods: frying, salting, sun-drying, and smoking. Interestingly, the name Onang-nang comes from the Alur language, meaning “licking”—a testament to its finger-licking taste. Rashul Adidi reports…