Ugandan Minister of Agriculture Vincent Ssempijja has confirmed that a swarm of desert locusts continues to invade Uganda from neighboring Kenya. The animals have come through Karita and Loroo sub-counties in Amudat District in Karamoja sub-region, after having ravaged several parts of Kenya.
The desert locusts have since been sighted in 24 districts in Teso, Lango, Acholi, Sebei and Bugisu sub- regions of Uganda. The affected districts as of March 6, 2020 include: Amudat, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga, Abim, Otuke, Napak, Katakwi, Amuria, Soroti, Ngora, Kumi, Bukwo, Kween, Agago, Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader, Bulambuli, Bukedea and Sironko.
Since the outbreak, the government has stepped up control measures, which include rapid spraying in all affected areas.
“On March 3, 2020, a new invasion of desert locust (four square kilometre) arrived in Bukwo district covering three villages of Ariyowet, Kapambar and Kaptobole in Kapswamatule sub-county. The swarm was a mixture of immature and mature adults,” Ssempijja said.
Since then, the Ministry has received support from the United Nations (UN) Agencies during implementation of desert locust control interventions. The Desert Locust Control Organization (DLCO) and FAO continue to provide experts who have been helpful in the desert locust control activities.
Source: eagle.co.ug
