Uganda People’s Defense Forces choppers have on Monday started airlifting pesticides and other equipment needed to fight locusts in Karamoja sub-region.

According to Charlotte Kemigisha the Ministry of Agriculture spokesperson, two choppers all packed with pesticides and other items have already flown to Karamoja.

“The choppers are carrying pumps, pesticides and other gear to be used in the fight against locusts. Two choppers have taken off for the region and will land at Moroto Barracks any time from now. They are carrying 36,000 litres of pesticides: chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin (18,000 litres of each),” she said.

Other items airlifted to Karamoja include 2000 pumps, 500 knapsack sprays and 50 motorised spray pumps.

The government confirmed on Monday that about 4,000 locusts had entered Uganda from Kenya, and more are expected. State Minister for Karamoja told the press that the government is going to do everything to suppress them.

The government has released 15b for the acquisition of chemicals, deployment of troops, as well as hiring aircraft for aerial and hand spraying.