By Walimbwa Moses
Dark clouds gather over Lake Victoria as the Department of Meteorological Services warns of thunderstorms.
KAMPALA, Uganda’s Department of Meteorological Services has warned Lake Victoria users to exercise caution as thunderstorms and thundershowers are expected in parts of the country.
The forecast, issued at 6:02am on Thursday, indicates cloudy conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers over the northern sector and the central Lake Victoria basin. Isolated thundershowers are expected across much of the country over the next six hours, except in the northeast and southwest, where sunny intervals are forecast.
For Lake Victoria, the department has advised people to consider postponing boat trips until conditions improve. The marine forecast, valid until 6pm Thursday, indicates isolated thunderstorms in the morning and isolated thundershowers in the afternoon.
Around Entebbe and the north-western part of the lake, winds are expected to be light to moderate, with low waves and visibility ranging from poor to good.
People who must travel on the lake have been advised to use seaworthy boats, avoid overloading and ensure that everyone on board wears a properly fastened life jacket. The department has also advised against night travel and urged lake users to check weather and hazard conditions before setting off.
The warning comes as Uganda enters the September–December rainfall season, which is expected to bring near-normal to above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country, alongside warmer-than-average temperatures.
According to the seasonal outlook issued by the Ministry of Water and Environment, rainfall is expected to increase towards the end of October and in November and may continue into early January 2027 in most parts of Uganda.
The rains could improve soil moisture and water availability, supporting agriculture and other rain-dependent activities. However, the outlook warns of possible flooding, waterlogging, soil erosion, crop damage and infrastructure damage, particularly in vulnerable areas.
The ministry has advised communities in flood-prone areas to prepare early and follow official weather updates. Farmers have been encouraged to protect crops and farm structures, while schools have been advised to improve drainage, strengthen lightning protection and prepare emergency plans.
Lake users and communities are encouraged to monitor official weather updates and adjust their activities as conditions change.