By Gerald Tenywa
As the end-of-year rainy season reaches its peak, Uganda should expect heavy rains, according to the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA).
“The rainfall forecast for mid-November (November 11–20) 2023 shows that wet conditions are still expected to continue over the entire country. However, the potential areas of much wetter conditions are expected around the Lake Victoria basin, southwestern and western parts of the West Nile, and Mt Elgon. The north-eastern part of the country is likely to experience moderate rainfall activity,” UNMA said in the 10-day forecast released on Monday, November 13.
At the beginning of November, UNMA said that the entire country except Karamoja should expect above-average rainfall conditions.
The forecast also pointed out that November is always associated with the peak of the rainy season (September, October, November, and December).
“Most parts of the country are likely to experience enhanced (above average) rainfall, with increased possibilities in the areas around Lake Victoria, Central, South Western, Mt Elgon, and the Kyoga basin extending to the West Nile.”
However, moderate rainfall was expected for Karamoja, according to the monthly forecast for November 2023.
Advisories
UNMA stated, “With the anticipated rains over most parts of the country, this will offer conducive conditions for pasture and fodder growth and availability for livestock.”
“The communities are advised to put in place water storage facilities for harvesting rainwater to use during periods when rains may relax,” The top weather authority added.
UNMA advised that pruning of tree crops and construction of drainage channels should be undertaken to minimise stagnation of water over crop gardens or parcels in all low-lying areas, especially in the northern, central, and eastern regions.
In addition, farmers should monitor and report any emergence of crop pests, animal parasites, and plant diseases to technical staff at sub-counties and districts.
The communities are encouraged to take advantage of the rains and engage in tree planting as a venture to reduce hailstorm damage to crops but also as an income-generating project for meeting future household needs, according to UNMA.
The communities were also advised to drink safe water, particularly in rural areas where water sources are often contaminated during rainy seasons.
UNMA also advised, “Urban authorities should clear off clogged water pathways or open up drainage channels to avoid truncation of the roads by turbulent water overflows and over-flooded transport routes.”
