Ministry of Agriculture confirms outbreak of African Armyworm in 12 districts

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) Crop Protection Department has Monday evening confirmed an invasion and outbreak of African Armyworm (Spodoptera Exempta), a pest of cereals and grasses/pastures.

The outbreak has so far been reported in 12 districts including; Luwero, Mukono, wakiso, katakwi, Bukedea, Bugweri, Serere, Busia, Bugiri, Mityana, Kiryandongo and Namutumba.

Control Measures

The ministry has advised farmers to control the outbreak using an Insecticide – Cypermethrin 5EC- 100-120mls mixed in 20lts of water.

Charlotte Kemigyisha Public Relations Manager MAAIF says they are already supporting the districts with Insecticides and pumps for demonstrations on control while working with the production and marketing teams at district and sub-county levels

“It is worth noting that this outbreak/invasion is a result of climate change. It is however expected that it will be suppressed by the rains,” Kemigyisha says.