Kikonyogo Ngatya Kampala Millions of caterpillars have invaded central Uganda and eaten up all green vegetation, raising fears of a severe famine in the region. Farmers in Wakiso, Mpigi, Mukono, Luwero and Mubende districts have expressed fears of adverse food shortages as the worms continue to multiply and spread. Experts suspect the worms to be semi-loopers, which normally live in forests and feed on leaves. The red, white and yellow striped pests when touched give off a liquid that causes a burning sensation on the skin.
Farmers now fear going to their gardens.
Agriculture officials have advised the farmers to spray the worms with cypermethrin insecticide a litre of which costs sh12,000. The Farmers said they cannot afford the chemical but the ministry insisted it no longer stocks agro-chemicals. Commissioner for Crop Protection Constante Bazarake said the pests had extensively damaged crops in Buddo and Kisozi in Wakiso district. We have also received reports of attacks in Mubende, Kayunga, Luweero and other parts of Wakiso district. Looper attacks are sporadic.