Weather experts have predicted a long period of drought that the country is set to experience in the next 3 to 4 months starting September.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Thursday, Festus Luboyera, the Executive Director Uganda National Meteorological Authority explained that the period between September and December La Nina conditions that lead to the dry period are likely to influence the evolution of weather conditions over the country.
“Over all there is an increased likelihood of little amounts of rainfall over several regions of the country. The western region which is currently experiencing dry conditions with light intermittent rains in some areas will have this situation continue up to late November or early December,” Luboyera said.
He said that that central Uganda is currently experiencing dry conditions adding there are high chances the region will continue experiencing such conditions of below normal rains.
According to the weather expert, L. Victoria basin which comprises areas likes Kampala, Buvuma, Kalangala and Wakiso among others is currently experiencing isolated intermittent rains and thunderstorms but peak rains are expected around late October and early November.
“Most regions of the country are expected to receive total rainfall below normal and the expected impacts include water shortage, shortage of pastures and food insecurity among others.”
Advice
The weather expert urged the public to engage in planting early maturing crops like beans, upland rice and drought resistant crops that can withstand the little rainfall situations.
“Communities are advised to use available food and water sparingly to ensure water availability for small scale crop growing. Water harvesting practices are widely advised,”Luboyera said.
“Vaccination and immunization of animals should be carried out in the pastoral communities especially Karamoja region due to expected cross border movements.”