By Diana N. Kintu
Government Warns of Floods, Landslides, Disease Outbreaks as Uganda Braces for Wetter-than-Normal Rains
Your home. Your farm. Your journey to work. All could be affected if the heavy rains expected later this year arrive. As the risk of flooding and landslides grows, the Ministry of Water and Environment is urging Ugandans to prepare early rather than wait for disaster to strike.
The Ministry, through the Department of Meteorological Services, has issued an early weather advisory after global climate monitoring centres indicated an increased likelihood of an El Niño weather phenomenon developing during the second half of 2026, with possible effects extending into 2027.
Early climate outlooks suggest Uganda could receive above-normal rainfall between September and December, raising the risk of floods, landslides, disease outbreaks, infrastructure damage and disruption of livelihoods.
According to the Ministry, El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon associated with warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. In East Africa, including Uganda, it has historically been linked to heavier-than-normal rainfall.
Although the exact magnitude of the anticipated event is still being assessed, the Ministry says several parts of the country could experience intense rainfall episodes during the September-to-December rainy season.
Flood-prone lowlands, urban centres with poor drainage systems, river catchments, wetlands and mountainous areas vulnerable to landslides have been identified among the locations most likely to face the greatest impacts if the forecasts materialise.
The Ministry said it is working closely with regional and international climate centres to continuously monitor weather conditions and will keep issuing forecasts, advisories and early warning information to support preparedness and informed decision-making.
Communities, local governments and development partners have been urged to strengthen disaster preparedness plans by clearing drainage channels, keeping away from flood- and landslide-prone areas, and improving community awareness on weather-related risks.
The advisory also calls on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, health, transport, water resources and infrastructure to activate contingency measures ahead of the expected rains in order to minimise potential losses.
Emphasising the importance of acting before disaster strikes, the Ministry said, “Early warning and early action save lives, protect livelihoods, and reduce disaster-related losses.”
The Ministry has encouraged the public to follow official weather forecasts and climate updates issued through the Department of Meteorological Services as the situation continues to be monitored.
For many Ugandans, the weeks ahead offer an opportunity to prepare homes, farms and communities before the rains begin, reducing the impact of extreme weather if the forecasts come to pass.
Source: Ministry of Water and Environment, Department of Meteorological Services.