Uganda: Food security threatened as banana bacterial disease spreads in Uganda

KAMPALA [ACTED News] – Banana wilt was first reported in 2001 in Mukono district, Central Uganda, and has now spread to all parts of the country. While the bacterial disease was contained in recent years, diminishing support for the fight against its spread has had serious consequences. The production of cooking bananas, known locally as matooke, a major staple food in much of the country, might be drastically reduced if the disease continues to spread. Awareness campaigns on the bacterial disease, promotion of improved agricultural practices, advocacy and support from policymakers and the donor community are critical to help mitigate its impact on affected farmers and their households.