Desert Locusts which entered Uganda 9 days ago, have now spread to 17 districts in North and Eastern Uganda, State Minister for Animal Husbandry, Bright Rwamirama has said.
These dangerous insects migrated from Kenya where they covered 30% of the vegetation.
Rwamirama said the locusts came from Middle East in Yemen to enter Africa.
The 17 districts which are currently affected include; Abim, Kaabong, Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Agago, Katakwi, Nabilatuk, Moroto, Napak, Kotido, Kole, Kitgum, Karenga, Kumi, Ngora, Soroti, Amuria and there are reports of sightings in Lango, Acholi and West Nile sub-regions.
The existing swarms have now been classified as mature adult locusts that may not have much longer to live after laying eggs.
“The swarms of locusts in Uganda continue to spread to other districts in the region and laying of eggs is expected to continue while other locust swarms are still invading Uganda from neighboring Kenya
It is worth noting that a female locust lays at least 300 eggs in one sitting and will lay eggs three times in its lifecycle.
The nymphs and the immature adult Desert Locusts (mainly pink in colour) that will emerge after the first hatching are the most dangerous since they have a high need for food,” said Rwamirama.
He adds that the existing swarms have not caused significant damage to our vegetation cover, however, there is an eminent threat to food security following a possible outbreak.
This is largely because a locust swarm feeds on 100-160 tons of vegetation per day.
Rwamirama said government has laid out mitigation measures like; enhanced surveillance, procurement of appropriate equipment and resource mobilization.
A total of shs 22 billion has been spent in trying to combat these deadly pests; 11 billion- Desert Locust Control Organization, 3.6 billion for Aircrafts leasing, 0.3billion for UPDF Operations while shs 7 billion was spent on chemicals, logistics, protective gear, pumps and surveillance.
