Bugiri, Uganda | Farmers in Bugiri District are grappling with a destructive outbreak of rare pests that have rapidly infested maize and eggplant crops across at least ten villages, threatening food security and farmer incomes.
The affected areas include Bude, Bukaatu, Budhaaya, Nisibirano, Kifuyo, Buwolya, Kitodha, Bulidha, Bukerekere, and Isakabusolo in Bukooli Town Council. According to locals, the mysterious pests are destroying crops from root to leaf, causing premature drying, stunted growth, and in some cases, complete crop failure.
Safiyu Malalu, a maize farmer from Bude, said his five-acre plot was thriving just weeks ago but has since been reduced to dry, unusable stalks. “These pests aren’t easy to detect. They attack the middle of the plant first and in no time, everything dries up,” he said.
Farmers growing eggplants in Budhaaya report similar devastation, saying the pests are attacking their crops during flowering, preventing fruit formation and wiping out any expected harvest. The financial impact has been severe for farmers who invested heavily in this season, with many relying on agricultural loans that now hang in uncertainty.
The acting Bugiri District Production Officer, Dr. Arafat Kulaka, confirmed the pest invasion and urged farmers to take immediate steps to stop further spread. He advised them to destroy affected plants, avoid transporting planting materials, and report outbreaks to local agricultural extension officers. He emphasized that rapid reporting and community vigilance are crucial to containing the damage.
Despite the warnings, many farmers say the district’s response has been slow and inadequate. Bugiri, like many rural areas in Uganda, suffers from a shortage of qualified extension workers and limited access to pest control resources. Without government intervention, farmers fear the infestation will spread across more gardens and potentially spill into neighboring districts.
The timing of the outbreak is especially alarming, as this planting season is vital for food supply and income generation in the region. Both maize and eggplant are staple crops in Bugiri, and their loss could deepen household food insecurity and raise prices at local markets.
Community leaders are now appealing to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to urgently assess the situation, distribute effective pesticides, and provide technical support before the situation worsens.