LOCUSTS: Minister Ssempija says specialized pesticide formulation for aerial spraying a challenge

By Francis Otucu

Swarms of desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) continue invading Uganda from neighboring 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.

As of March 6, 2020, the affected districts included 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.

According to Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempija, the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the existing swarms have not caused significant damage to the vegetation cover.

He, however, said there is an eminent threat to food security when the eggs hatch into hoppers in the next few weeks as has been the case with our neighbour, Kenya.

The swarms, however, continue to spread to other districts and possibly laying of eggs is expected to continue while our efforts to control the adult locusts continue.

Ssempija says, ground spraying by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces continues to be undertaken in areas where the desert locusts have been sighted.

Aerial spraying using Fenitrothion 96 ULV was conducted at Napeto, Nakachumti Parish Matany Sub-county Napak District on the March 1, 2020. More aerial spraying of desert locusts was carried out at kadonyo, Tapac sub county  in Moroto District.

However, the specialized pesticide formulation for aerial spraying (Fenitrothion 96% ULV) is a challenge to obtain due to the current wave of desert locust outbreaks in the horn of Africa, middle East and the East African region.

“Our original order has been delayed due to strict measures by the Kenya Government which required pre-shipment inspection in Japan which takes 2 (two) weeks. However, the Supplier, Twiga Chemicals has been able to make a partial delivery of 400 Litres awaiting delivery of the full consignment. Kenya is also faced with the same challenge of ready availability of this chemical,” he said.