Kampala: Uganda is preparing for a wetter than usual rainy season after weather experts warned that the country faces a high risk of receiving above normal rainfall in the coming months due to the expected development of the El Niño climate phenomenon. The warning has prompted authorities to call for early action to reduce the impact of possible floods, landslides and damage to infrastructure, while encouraging farmers and communities to make use of updated weather forecasts.
The latest outlook from Uganda's meteorological authorities indicates that rainfall across many parts of the country is likely to increase during the second half of the year as El Niño strengthens over the Pacific Ocean. Although the climate event develops thousands of kilometres away, it has a major influence on weather systems around the world and often brings heavier than normal rainfall to East Africa, including Uganda.
The forecast represents a significant change from earlier expectations. At the beginning of the season, meteorologists had predicted drier conditions across many parts of Uganda during the June to August period. However, new climate observations show that the rapidly developing El Niño has altered the seasonal outlook, increasing the likelihood of widespread rainfall during the months ahead.
The World Meteorological Organization has also urged governments across the world to prepare for the effects of El Niño. The United Nations weather agency says there is a strong probability that the climate pattern will continue to strengthen in the coming months, bringing above average rainfall to some regions while causing drought and extreme heat in others. Scientists have warned that the effects of El Niño are becoming more pronounced as global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change.
For Uganda, the expected increase in rainfall could bring both benefits and challenges. Agriculture, which supports the livelihoods of millions of Ugandans, may benefit from improved soil moisture and better water availability for crops and livestock. Farmers growing maize, beans, coffee and other crops could see improved growing conditions if rainfall is well distributed.
However, experts caution that excessive rainfall can quickly become destructive. Flooded farmland, waterlogged soils and crop diseases may reduce agricultural production in some areas. Heavy rain can also delay harvesting, damage rural roads and increase post harvest losses if crops cannot be dried properly.
Communities living in low lying areas, along riverbanks and near lakes are expected to face the greatest risk. Flood prone districts could experience overflowing rivers and flash floods, while mountainous areas remain vulnerable to landslides if prolonged rainfall weakens hillsides. Similar weather events in previous years have displaced families, destroyed homes and disrupted transport networks in several parts of the country.
Health officials are also expected to remain on high alert. Flooding often contaminates water sources, increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Pools of standing water created by heavy rains can also provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising concerns about malaria and other mosquito borne illnesses.
Government agencies are encouraging local authorities to inspect drainage systems, strengthen disaster preparedness plans and improve community awareness before the rainy season reaches its peak. Emergency response teams are also being advised to identify vulnerable areas and prepare for possible evacuations if severe flooding occurs.
Farmers have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates and adopt farming practices that can reduce the impact of heavy rainfall. Agricultural experts recommend improving drainage around farms, protecting stored produce from moisture and selecting crop varieties that can better withstand changing weather conditions.
Climate scientists note that El Niño does not affect every region in the same way. While Uganda and several neighbouring countries in East Africa are expected to experience wetter conditions, countries such as Australia and parts of Southeast Asia are preparing for hotter and drier weather. Other regions may experience shifts in seasonal rainfall that could affect food production and water supplies.
Although seasonal weather forecasts continue to be updated as new climate data becomes available, experts believe the current outlook provides enough evidence for Uganda to begin preparing for wetter conditions. Authorities say early planning, stronger disaster response measures and public awareness will play an important role in protecting lives, livelihoods and infrastructure if the predicted heavy rains arrive in the months ahead.