Panic as Huge Swarm of Locusts Enters Uganda

Residents of Amudat Town Council in Amudat Town Council on Saturday morning were thrown into panic after a big swarm of desert locusts invaded the area from Kenya.

The swarm of locusts, which  invaded the area through West Pokot in Kenya, covered several trees in the area. 

Mr John Lodungokol, the senior Agricultural officer Amudat district, said the locusts entered through West Kenya Pokot.

“This is the big swarm that we have received today and they look young not yet yellow like the first locust that  entered in the district three month ago,”he said.

Mr. Lodungokol said they have informed the ministry of Agriculture about the locusts adding that he was making a report.

Mr.Francis Kiyonga, the district chairperson, said the current locusts seem to be the young ones that have growned up after hatching.

Major John Mugisa, the UPDF 3rd division spokesperson, said they have been informed and that they are going to spray the insects.

“We have been informed about it and a team of UPDF soldiers is setting  to go to Amudat to deal with the locust, “he said.

He advised the public not to panic saying the government is prepared to deal with every situation that comes a cross. 

Six weeks ago, Uganda was invaded by Desert Locusts from neighbouring Kenya through Amudat and to-date we have 24 districts in the 6 sub-regions of Acholi, Karamoja, Lango, Sebei, Teso and Bugisu that have reported these locustswarms .

Uganda has so far recorded the entry of 9 swarms of mature Desert locusts.

These swarms have not caused significant damage to the vegetation cover. The eminent danger to food security and livelihoods however will likely be posed by the nymphs and young desert locusts that will hatch.

These nymphs and young desert locusts have a high need for food consuming close to 100 tons of vegetation per day depending on the size of the swarm.

A swarm spreading about 6 square kilometres was observed on 12th Match 2020 in Masike, Kangole Town Council near Kangole Girls Primary School in Karamoja sub-region. Control measures undertaken by the UPDF, however, suppressed the swarm.

Technical Surveillance teams in the region continue to receive reports of Desert Locust hatching in Agago, Ngora, Sironko and Bukwo.

However, upon visiting the sites by technical teams, the presence of Variegated Grass hoppers was confirmed and not locusts.