Deadly worms eat up trees in Mukono

Some of the trees in Mukono Central Division whose leaves have been eaten by the worms. PHOTO BY JOHNSON MAYAMBA

What you need to know:

Farmers worried that the worms could soon invade their gardens

Mukono- Giant caterpillars that indiscriminately eat green plants have attacked Mukono Central Division, creating fear among farmers that the deadly worms could soon attack their gardens.

The worms, which attacked Bessania Prayer Mountain, a venue for born-again worshippers, about two weeks ago, have eaten away tree leaves and disturbed the peace of the worshippers.

A caretaker at the prayer venue, Pastor Patrick Muwanguzi, said they have been overwhelmed by the big number of caterpillars. He said they keep sweeping them into a bonfire, which was started to destroy them, but they keep multiplying in number.

When the Daily Monitor visited the prayer venue, it was deserted as worshippers were said to have been scared by the worms also known as the loopers in biological terms.
Ms Lydia Nakyanja, a cleaner at the venue, said clothes spread out to dry in the sun have been tainted by indelible spots as a result of the caterpillars’ droppings, adding that the worms have invaded the tents as well.

She said they no longer sit during prayers because the whole place is covered by the worms.

Although they are harmless to humans, they are a frightful sight, residents said.

There are fears that after eating up leaves of the trees at the prayer mountain, the worms may descend on gardens in the neighbourhood.

Mr Christopher Kironde, a farmer, said there is likelihood that the next destination may be neighbouring gardens.

Efforts to contact the district production officer, Dr Fred Mukulu, were futile as he was not in office and his known mobile phone numbers were unavailable.

About worm
The looper

a member of the moth family Noctuidae. It is found in North America, parts of Africa and most of the Oriental, parts of Europe. The caterpillar is smooth and pale green with white stripes. This species is very destructive to plants due to its voracious consumption of leaves.
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