The army leadership has Monday sent 2000 troops to Karamoja sub-region to wipeout desert locusts which entered Uganda on Sunday from Kenya.
The locusts are considered the world’s most dangerous migratory specie/ pest which can destroy 100- 160 tons of vegetation daily.
The locusts can move 100 to 300 kilometers every hour.
A swarm of 4000 insects is estimated to have invaded Uganda. And government has since dispatched machinery to combat this crisis.
Speaking to journalists on Monday morning, the Chief of Defence Forces,Gen.David Muhoozi, revealed that a total of 2000 troops have so far been deployed .
“We were told to martial 2000 troops but the task is huge and are looking at mobilising more than that, Muhoozi said.
“This is a cross government issue and when called upon we had to respond quickly.”
UPDF spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire said the 2000 troops have been undergoing training at Olilim barracks.
“The CDF has appointed the Land Forces deputy commander Maj.Gen.Sam Kavuma to head the team. Our capabilities like the helicopters will be used during the operation,”Brig.Karemire said.
Karemire said the 2000 combatants will be deployed according to the need.
