By Edward Anyoli
As the country is preparing to receive heavy rainfall, farmers have been advised to plant long-maturing crops such as millet, rice, sorghum, maize cassava and sweet potatoes.
The Uganda Meteorological Department and Ministry of Environment have released the latest weather forecasts report, which predicts enhanced rainfall in the different regions.
“In general, farmers are advised to make use of the seasonal rains by optimising crop yield through appropriate land-use management.
Farmers are also encouraged to plant enough food for both domestic use and sale to emerging markets in the neighboring countries,” State Minister for environment Beatrice Anywar said.
While, releasing a joint weather report for September to December 2023 season on September 1, 2023, at the Media Centre in Kampala, Anywar said the forecast indicates heavy rainfall in the coming months.
“Overall, we expect above enhanced rainfall over several parts of the country, most especially over Lake Victoria basin and hilly areas of Rwenzori and Eastern region,” Anywar said on Friday.
Senior disaster preparedness officer Solomon Elungat at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), told journalists that the government is prepared to manage the areas that are prone to disaster.
“The ministry is prepared to respond to the emergency. We have mapped those areas,” Elungat said.
The vulnerable areas prone to disaster include Bundibudyo, Kasese, Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro. Others are Bududa, Mbale and Bulambuli
