By Weswa Ronnie
BULAMBULI
Farmers in Bulambuli District are counting losses after drought destroyed their maize gardens.
Bulambuli is the only district in Bugisu region that produces maize on a large scale due to its fertile soils and favorable climate.
Suzan Nadunga, a maize farmer from Bunambutye Sub-county, told this reporter over weekend that her five acres of maize have been completely destroyed by the scorching sun, which she described as a huge loss.
Nadunga said the money she invested was from Parish Development Model funds, adding that it will be hard for her to repay the loan.
Stephen Guloba, another maize farmer, said they tried to irrigate using jerry cans, but most water sources are currently dry.
The farmers have urged the government to provide them with irrigation equipment, either for free or on loan, so they can avoid such losses in future, since they depend on farming for their livelihood.
The Bulambuli District Production Officer could not be reached for comment as his phone was off.
Other crops our reporter saw, including sunflower, groundnuts, and cassava, among others, have also completely dried up.
