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Swarms of tsetse flies have invaded Bwijanga Sub County in Masindi causing panic amongst residents.
The fly that causes sleeping sickness in humans and Nagana in livestock is a common sight in swampy and forested areas of Kihoole, Kitamba, Kabakazi, Kijunjubwa, Kikingura and Ntoma.
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John Mugenyi, the secretary for mobilization Kitamba Parish says for the last six months, the deadly insects have made home several places in the area, biting people, animal and raising fear of possible outbreak of diseases.
Like Mugenyi, Mukama Alinda of Kikingura says local authorities have reported to the district entomology department a couple of months ago but received no response.
Olivia Mugisa, the vice chairperson Bwijanga sub county says the delay to respond could cause a disaster.
Masindi district extension coordinator Blasto Byamukama says thieves who steal tsetse fly traps are responsible for the surge in the problem.
He says most of the infested areas are wildlife reserves.
He says out of 150 traps that were put to attract and trap the flies six months ago, more than half have been stolen. The thieves reportedly use the nets as curtains while their metallic support parts are turned into arrows by hunters.
Byabakama adds that new traps are installed every six months, but oftentimes they are destroyed by bush burners. He says unless there is discipline, the tsetse flies will forever remain a problem.
Byabakama adds that Masindi is struggling to fight off a savanna type of flies from Easter Uganda and other types from West Nile, the reason the district is so strict on allowing cattle crossing into it, especially from Nakasongola, Apac and west Nile .
Nurses at Bwijanga health centre says they have not recorded any cases to do with Tsetse flies.
