Poultry
farmers in Omoro District are counting losses following a reported outbreak of
unknown ailment that has claimed hundreds of birds in the last two weeks. The most
affected are poultry farmers in Lakwana, Aremo and Bobi Sub Counties.
Albino Ogwang, one of the affected farmers in Aremo says he
has lost up to 102 hens, which he expected to earn him Shillings 5 million. Mercy
Nyana, another poultry farmer based in Lakwana reveals that she lost over 50 birds
to the bizarre ailment. She says she was expecting to make at least Shillings 2.5
million from the sale of the birds.
Walter Akena, a chicken dealer in Bobi says the business is facing uncertainty
because of the outbreak of the disease. Akena implored agricultural extension
workers to quickly investigate the disease and recommend appropriate
interventions. Francis Okot, the Bobi Sub County Agricultural Officer told URN
that he wasn’t aware of the disease since farmers haven’t brought the matter to
his attention.
//Cue in: “They have not…
Cue out …the sub-county.”//
Walter Lukwiya, the Omoro Town Council LC 3 Chairperson revealed that the
sudden disease was reported to his office by some poultry farmers, and they
have forwarded the matter to District authorities for intervention.
//Cue in: “An abikube ki…
Cue out …konyo ki lupur,”//
Attempts to get a comment from Martin Aliker, the Omoro
District Agriculture Officer were futile as he couldn't be reached on his known mobile number. The
farmers say an infected bird presents with loss of feathers, general
inactivity, droplets from the beak and nose, watery droppings and shivering
among others symptoms.
Ochola's journalism career begun from Radio King 90.2 FM in Gulu around 2009, and Radio Rupiny 95.7 Fm under Vision Group in 2012. He also reported for Mighty Fire 91.5 Fm, Kitgum in 2015 before joining Wizarts Foundation in 2017.
He has been reporting for Uganda Radio Network (URN) since 2017 before being posted as Bureau Chief Kitgum, and latr Gulu between 2018 - 2021. Currently, he reports from Parliament.
