The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has said much of Uganda will receive above normal rainfall in the months of September to December 2017 that might culminate in the continuous occurrence of landslides and floods across the country.
‘Cases of flooding and landslides may be experienced in areas such as Mt.Elgon areas of Bududa and Bulambuli plus Bundibudyo, Kasese areas around Mt. Rwenzori,” UNMA warns in a statement.
According to UNMA, farmers should plant both short and long term maturing crops like millet, rice, sorghum, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, legumes and vegetables to ensure food security.
The Authority however advised farmers to avoid planting crops in flood and landslide prone zones, saying this could cause losses. It also advised the farmers to carryout soil and water conservation practices such as digging trenches, mulching and ripping.
Meanwhile, UNMA says while south western Uganda and Karamoja region will receive average and below normal rains respectively.
The districts of Kisoro, Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Ibanda, Bushenyi, Buhweju, Mitooma, Sheema, Rubirizi and Kasese are all expected to receive average rains from mid-September with the peak rains setting in late October and mid-November. But the rains are expected to lower in mid-December, the statement that gives an overview of rain patterns across the country, indicates.
“The districts Ntungamo, Mbarara, Kiruhura, and Isingiro, following the dry conditions experienced in June and July are expected peak rains in October but reduce in December. Overall, near normal with the tendency to below normal rainfall conditions are expected to prevail over this region,” UNMA says.
Central Western regions which has districts of Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge Masindi and others, UNMA says have been experiencing substantial amounts of rain since July but are expected to reach the peak levels around mid-October to early November.
According to UNMA, the districts of Nakasongola, Luwero, Kyankwanzi, Nakseke, Kiboga, Mubende, are expected to receive peak rains in mid-October with a steady decline expected to set late November and continue up to early December.
And, despite experiencing occasional outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms, UNMA says seasonal rainfall is expected to reach the peak around mid-October in the districts of Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga and Buvuma and the cessation is expected around early December.
The districts of Kalangala, Kampala, Wakiso, Masaka, Lwengo, Mpigi, Butambala, Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, Gomba, and Mityana districts, UMC says the rains are expected to reach the peak levels around mid-October and reduce around early December.
In the districts of Kamuli, Iganga, Luuka, Namutumba, Buyende, Kaliro, and Butaleja districts, the rains are expected to continue up to early September , peaking up mid or late October, reduce in mid-December.
For the districts Amuria, Katakwi, Moroto, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Abim, Napak, Amudat, and Kaabong) districts. The peak rainfall levels are expected around in early or mid-October, with the cessation of the rainfall season expected around late November.
Lira, Kitgum, Agogo, Otuke Dokolo and Kabrramaido districts which received rains in June will reach the peak in mid-October but reduce in November and early December.
The districts of Gulu, Apac, Pader, Lamwo, Nwoya, Amuru, Amuru and Kiryandongo are expected to continue with the rains till late November when dry season prevails.
