Scientists Extend Fight Against Banana Bunchy Top Virus To West Nile
Agricultural scientists have embarked on a campaign to curb the further spread of the invasive banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) in the West Nile sub region.
Over the past three years, banana farmers in the districts of Nebbi, Arua, Zombo, Maracha, Terego and Arua City have been battling with the disease, which causes severe stunting and bunching of banana leaves and complete loss of fruit production especially in the second season of production.
Under the initiative, banana farmers in the sub region are being empowered with skills to reduce the infection causing severe stunting and bunching of leaves by getting rid of the infected plantation. The scientists have also equipped the agricultural extension workers in the sub region with a mobile app dubbed the “plant village” to detect and report on the disease.
David Kutunga Rukaijakare, the Principal Agricultural Inspector Crop Inspections department at the ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF) says that the campaign is to increase awareness among the communities about the management of the disease.
An infected plant with banana bunchy top virus presents with severe stunting, narrow leaves, chlorotic leaf margins, and dark green streaks on petioles and midribs. The affected plant also has a choked appearance.
George Mawuku, a plant pathologist and the country coordinator of the intentional institute of tropical agriculture explains that the banana bunchy top virus spread through vegetative propagation of bananas as well as by the aphid. He advised the farmers in the sub region to stick to using clean planting materials.
Joyce Piwa, the Nebbi district Agricultural officer discloses that most of the banana planting materials come from the neighbouring Democratic republic of Congo through the porous border points.
Meanwhile, Nelson Adile, the acting Arua district Agricultural Officer notes that banana production in the sub region has reduced drastically over the past three years following the invasion by the disease.
According to the information obtained from the ministry of agriculture, Bunchy top disease can cause severe stunting and bunching of leaves, and the plants do not produce any fruit leading to 100-percent loss.
***URN***
Post Views: 1,014
Scientists Extend Fight Against Banana Bunchy Top Virus To West Nile
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum