KAMPALA, Uganda– The Government of Uganda has issued a comprehensive preparedness and mitigation plan following the release of the March–April–May (MAM) 2026 Seasonal Rainfall Outlook by the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Addressing members of the press at the Office of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Eng. Hilary Onek (MP), outlined anticipated risks and government interventions aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods during the first rainy season of the year.
According to the seasonal forecast, most parts of Uganda are expected to receive near-average rainfall. However, the Northwestern region, areas around Lake Victoria, and parts of Eastern Uganda are likely to experience near-average to above-average rainfall. The forecast also indicates generally warmer-than-normal temperatures across the country.
Regions expected to receive near- to above-average rainfall include parts of West Nile, Lango, Rwenzori, Kigezi, Acholi, Bugisu, Bukedi, Teso, and Buganda. Meanwhile, near-average rainfall is anticipated in Ankole, Karamoja, Busoga, Bunyoro, and some parts of Buganda.
Anticipated Disaster Risks
Eng. Onek cautioned that the forecasted rainfall could trigger a range of disaster risks if adequate precautions are not taken.
Low-lying areas and the lower slopes of Mount Elgon, as well as parts of the Rwenzori Mountains and Kigezi highlands, face heightened risks of flooding, waterlogging, landslides, mudslides, and soil erosion. Districts such as Butaleja, Rubanda, Kisoro, Amuru, Obongi, Pakwach, Kayunga, Kalungu, Rakai, Kitgum, Otuke, Lamwo, Serere, Bukedea, and Kasese are particularly vulnerable.
Urban centers, including Kampala, may experience flash floods that could disrupt transport networks and business operations.
The Minister further warned of potential hailstorms and strong winds at the onset of the rains in districts such as Kibaale, Sembabule, Ibanda, Buvuma, Kalangala, Bukomansimbi, Isingiro, Mbarara, Mitooma, and Tororo.
Other anticipated impacts include increased livestock diseases and crop pests, including Fall Army Worm, higher incidence of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and malaria, as well as increased lightning strikes in high-risk districts including Kisoro, Lamwo, Bushenyi, Ntungamo, Nwoya, Amuru, Busia, and Bugiri.
Government Preparedness Measures
Eng. Onek reassured the public that government has already taken proactive steps to strengthen national preparedness and response systems.
“The Government has completed the registration of households at high risk of landslides in the Elgon sub-region and procured land for their resettlement,” said Eng. Hilary Onek (MP). “We are committed to ensuring that vulnerable communities are protected before disaster strikes.”
He added that the government has disseminated the seasonal weather forecast at regional levels, strengthened community-level disaster risk management in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society, enhanced early warning communication through media platforms, and procured relief food supplies for communities likely to be affected.
“We continue to monitor rainfall patterns and evolving weather conditions closely,” the Minister emphasized. “District Disaster Management Committees must intensify community sensitization and ensure timely local action.”
Public Advisory
The Government has urged all stakeholders — including district authorities, urban administrations, and communities — to activate contingency plans, particularly in identified hotspot areas.
Authorities are advised to clear drainage channels, cover open manholes, monitor water levels in lakes and rivers, and strengthen rescue operations to prevent drowning incidents.
Communities in highland areas of Elgon, Rwenzori, and Kigezi are encouraged to remain on high alert and temporarily relocate where necessary. Motorists are advised to avoid flooded roads and observe speed limits during rainy conditions due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces.
Households are also encouraged to harvest and store animal feed, promote sanitation and hygiene to prevent disease outbreaks, clear bushes to reduce mosquito breeding, and avoid sheltering under tall trees during thunderstorms due to increased lightning risks.
Institutions and homeowners are urged to trim tree branches near buildings to minimize storm-related damage.
Despite the risks, Eng. Onek encouraged communities in areas expected to receive above-normal rainfall to take advantage of the rains.
“We strongly encourage our people to maximize water harvesting and increase food production as a coping mechanism during future dry spells and periods of scarcity,” he said.
