agriculture 13 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
New Banana Disease Sparks Panic Among Rukungiri Farmers
A mysterious disease affecting banana fingers and bunches has caused significant panic among farmers in Rukungiri District. The ailment leads to premature ripening and renders the fruit tasteless, compounding losses for farmers still recovering from previous crop devastation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/strange-disease-causes-panic-among-banana-farmers-in-rukungiri-5457784
Farmers in Rukungiri District are grappling with a new and concerning disease that is ravaging their banana plantations. The ailment targets the banana fingers and bunches, causing them to ripen prematurely and resulting in a tasteless fruit when cooked.
This outbreak comes as a heavy blow to farmers who are still reeling from the devastating effects of the banana bacterial wilt, a disease that previously destroyed their crops and led to substantial financial losses. Farmers report that the symptoms of this new disease are distinct from the wilt they have battled for years.
“We are only counting losses because we used to collect a lot of money from selling bananas. There is a ready market,” stated Benson Tayebwa, a local farmer. Affected growers are urging the government to intervene before the situation spirals further out of control, emphasizing their reliance on banana cultivation for income.
Concerns are also being raised about the price of bananas in local markets. Vendors note that due to the scarcity caused by the disease, farmers are now selling bananas at significantly higher prices, impacting both farmer and consumer livelihoods. This could also pose a threat to food security in the region.
Local leaders have reported the disease to district agricultural offices, who are aware of the outbreak. The Rukungiri District production officer identified the culprit as a fast-spreading pest called Rust sleeps. While samples have been taken for analysis by the National Agricultural Organization, the immediate advice for farmers is to cut down affected trees and replant.
This measure is currently the only recommended course of action, as experts and the government work towards finding a comprehensive solution. Farmers across the country are being advised to take this precautionary step against the disease that is reportedly spreading nationwide.