Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, has on Thursday announced that Uganda is expected to experience peak rainfall between mid-April and early May, according to the latest seasonal forecast.
Currently, the country is undergoing dry conditions accompanied by high temperatures and the Department of Meteorological Services predicts that this weather pattern will persist until mid-March, after which temperatures will cool and rains will begin.
“Temperatures are expected to be warmer than average across the country during the March to May season,” the department noted.
Dr. Okot explained that during the March to May season, Uganda is likely to receive near-normal to above-normal rainfall in most regions. However, the onset of rains is expected to be delayed due to factors such as the position of the sun, the urban heat island effect, the ongoing dry season, and tropical cyclones over the Indian Ocean. Rains are anticipated to establish between mid- and late March.
“The onset is likely to be characterized by lightning and hailstorms in various parts of the country,” he added.
In the central and western Lake Victoria region, which includes Kampala, Kalangala, Wakiso, Masaka, Lwengo, and Mpigi, dry conditions are expected to continue until early March. Rainfall in this area is predicted to begin between early and mid-March, with peak rainfall occurring from mid-April to May and tapering off by early June.
“This region is forecasted to receive near-normal to above-normal rainfall,” Dr. Okot stated.
Similarly, in the central northern region, encompassing Gulu, Omoro, Lamwo, Nwoya, Amuru, Oyam, and Kiryandongo, dry conditions will persist until early March. Rainfall is expected to commence by mid- to late March, with peak rainfall around early May and a slight decrease by early June.
To mitigate the risks associated with the anticipated rainfall, the ministry has recommended several measures, including timely planting, appropriate crop selection, improved agronomic practices, soil and water conservation, water harvesting, pest and disease surveillance, disaster preparedness, and public health vigilance. District health officers have been urged to intensify disease surveillance and respond swiftly to potential outbreaks.
Given the forecast of near-normal to above-normal rainfall, the ministry has called on all stakeholders to utilize this information for strategic planning and informed decision-making as this will help enhance food security, protect livelihoods, and strengthen climate resilience across the country.
