The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has warned Ugandans especially farmers to expect a dry June, July, and August 2024 period.
In an outlook released on May 29, 2024, UNMA said a dry season is expected, especially in parts of the Southwestern, Central, and Lake Victoria Basins and parts of the Eastern Region.
Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Rukiga, Rubanda, Bushenyi, Mitooma, Rubirizi, Sheema, Rwampara, Ntungamo, Isingiro, Mbarara, Ibanda, Kiruhura, Kazo, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Masindi, Hoima, Kyenjojo, Kakumiro, Kamwenge, Kyegegwa, Kagadi, Kibaale, Kitagwenda, Buliisa, and Bunyangabo districts are expected to be hit hardest.
This is attributed to a number of factors, including the “current state of the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the equatorial central Pacific Ocean.”
During this period, occasional rains are expected in Kampala, Kalangala, Wakiso, Masaka, Kyotera, Lwengo, Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, Gomba, Mityana, Mpigi, and Butambala districts.
Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga, and Buvuma are expected to have below-normal (below-average) rainfall.
In the Eastern Region, dry conditions are expected to continue up to July, when occasional rainfall will be experienced up to the end of the forecast period. Overall, the Eastern Region is expected to experience near-normal (near-average) rainfall conditions over the period.
Above-normal rainfall is expected in the north-eastern districts of Amuria, Katakwi, Moroto, Kotido, Karenga, Amudat, and Kaboong, among others. A similar condition is expected in the West Nile region of the country. Kole, Dokolo, Apac, Lir, Pader, Agago, Alebtong, Amolatar, and Kitgum are expected to receive near-normal to above-normal rainfall during this period. This same condition is expected in the districts of Gulu, Omoro, Kwania, Nwoya, Amuru, Oyam, and Kiryandongo.
UNMA warns that near-normal or above-normal rainfall is likely to have impacts on socioeconomic activities, especially agricultural production and food security.
Localized episodic flash flood events may occur in areas that are expected to receive near-normal rainfall as a result of isolated heavy downpours.
As a result, UNMA says there is a likelihood of animal and crop diseases as well as pests and vectors, for example, valley fever and foot and mouth disease (FMD), among others, while post-harvest losses are expected.
In near-normal or average rainfall areas, UNMA advises irrigation of farmlands with appropriate technology to sustain crop growth.
Farmers have also been encouraged to mulch their gardens to conserve soil moisture availability. Planting of short-term crops such as cowpeas, leafy vegetables, and drought-resistant crop varieties such as sorghum and millet has been encouraged.
UNMA Executive Director, Dr. Bob Ogwang, says that the early warning information for the June, July, and August seasons requires timely and appropriate action to take advantage of the information. “It should be used for planning and decision-making in all the climate-sensitive economic activities to improve the welfare and livelihoods of all our communities in their localities,” says Dr. Ogwang.
