KARAMOJA – Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) have intensified spraying the deadly desert locusts insects in three different Districts of Nabilatuk, Kapchorwa, Karenga, and Nakapiripiriti leaving millions destroyed.
According to Col Ezra Byaruhanga the Commander of 407 Infantry Brigade, the exercise achieved its objective.
“Most of the locusts in this area have died and u can see them under the tree so this drug is very effective.”
Col Byaruhanga further explained the reason why the spraying starts at night saying that during that time the locusts are inactive and therefore do not fly as much as during day time.
Hellen Alinga the District Production and marketing officer Nabilatuk District local Government who witnessed the exercise applauded the UPDF for a commendable work done in fighting the locusts which had invaded the area of Lorachart
The army has hailed the locals in the affected areas for being so informative as much as the UPDF is at the forefront of the fight. This has been both directly and through their leaders hence informing the UPDF commanders whenever they sight the destructive locusts in their areas.
The minister of agriculture, animal industry and fisheries, Vincent Ssempija said swarms of desert locusts continue invading Uganda from neighbouring Kenya through Karita and Loroo sub-counties in Amudat District in Karamoja sub-region, after having ravaged several parts of Kenya, causing food shortages.
The desert locusts have since been sighted in 24 districts in Teso, Lango, Acholi, Sebei, and Bugisu sub-regions.
The affected Districts as of 6th March, 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.
