Desert locusts, which have invended parts of Kenya and Somalia, have entered Uganda.
According to State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Moses Kizige, the locusts entered the country through Abwalinga and Ngongosowon villages in Amudat Sub County, Amudat District, on Sunday, February 9, 2020.
The Amudat District agricultural officer, Simon Peter Lodungokol, had earlier on Sunday said the locusts had reached 4km from the border at a place called Kiwawa in Kenya
“Dear colleagues at MAAIF and fellow Ugandans, the arrival of the Desert Locusts is now very eminent. I have just received a phone call from my staff on the ground that the Desert Locusts are areportedly just 4 km from AMUDAT District Kenya border. They are currently in a place called Kiwawa in Kenya,” he had posted before the minister’s confirmation.
“The Desert Locusts are expected to reach Amudat in a matter of less than an hour and they are predicted to approach Amudat District through Abwalinga and Ngongosowon villages of AMUDAT Sub county and not Loroo Sub county as earlier on expected. I will keep you accordingly posted of the developments regarding the Desert Locusts impending disaster,” he added
The government of through ministry of Finance and Economic Planning permanent secretary Mr. Keith Mukahanizi told parliament that they have already prepared 15 billion Uganda Shillings to fight Locusts in the country.
Locusts were first seen in the country last week Masaka where farmers found them in their gardens.
