Monkeys, Warthogs Destroy Crops In Mukono

Monkeys and Warthogs have destroyed crop fields in Kasawo, Kyampisi and Namuganga sub counties in Mukono district.

Mathias Musoke, the chairperson LC3 Namuganga sub county says over one hundred homes have been affected with crop fields having potatoes, beans, maize, banana plantations and cassava being destroyed. Musoke says the residents are stranded and have nothing to feed their families.

David Tamale, a resident of Kayonza village and one of the affected people says it is holiday time and he has nothing to feed his family of ten. He lost one and a half acres of maize, beans and potatoes to the wild animals in the last four days. He calls on government to give the affected people some food and free seeds.

 

Dr. Fred Mukulu, the Mukono production officer says the animals move in big numbers and have gathered from nearby villages after breeding over time from Wakisi, Nateeta, Kanjuki and Kayunga in Mukono to cause havoc. This follows the scarcity of foods that they feed on in the wild after unfavorable weather. Mukulu says efforts are being done to sensitize the people about how to get rid of the animals without harming them.

John Fisher Kasenge, the Mukono resident district commissioner says he has heard reports of over six acres of food crops being destroyed by the wild animals. He says government will organize to see how best they can deal with the problem of monkeys and warthogs. He calls on the residents to be calm, but protect their lives from the wild animals that can prove to be harmful in self defence once attacked.