Uganda has intensified its efforts to combat invasive pests through a week-long digital surveillance training aimed at improving the country’s pest detection and management systems.
The training, taking place from October 6 to 11, 2025, was launched at NARO-Kawanda and later moved to Kalangala for a field hands-on component. It brings together about 50 plant health inspectors drawn from different regions across the country.
According to organisers, the initiative seeks to enhance Uganda’s capacity for early detection, monitoring, and rapid response to the growing threat of invasive and quarantine pests. The exercise is supported by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) in collaboration with national agricultural authorities.
Officials explained that integrating digital surveillance into pest management will improve the speed and accuracy of data collection, allowing timely interventions to protect crops and safeguard trade.
The participants are being equipped with skills to identify and report pest outbreaks using modern digital tools that feed directly into national and regional databases. This, according to experts, will help authorities track pest movements, analyse trends, and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
The training forms part of Uganda’s broader strategy to strengthen its National Plant Protection Organization systems, reinforce border control measures, and align local practices with international phytosanitary standards.
As the country continues to face recurrent pest invasions affecting food security and exports, officials expressed optimism that the new digital approach will transform surveillance and enhance preparedness for future outbreaks.