Government Warns of Dry, Hot July as Below-Average Rainfall Expected Across Uganda

The Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar is presenting a brief on the prevailing weather conditions in the country to Parliament.

The Government has warned that most parts of Uganda will experience below-average rainfall and higher-than-normal temperatures throughout July 2026, raising concerns over agriculture, water availability, public health, and food security.

Presenting a ministerial statement to Parliament the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar said the country’s weather outlook indicates that Northern Uganda and parts of the Eastern region will receive only occasional light rainfall, while Central, Western, Southwestern Uganda and areas around Lake Victoria are expected to remain largely dry.

The Ministry attributed the prevailing weather conditions to the ongoing development of the El Niño phenomenon over the equatorial Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean, which has already contributed to suppressed rainfall recorded across much of the country in June.

According to the Ministry, Uganda’s Department of Meteorological Services continuously produces weather forecasts ranging from six-hourly to seasonal outlooks to support planning in key sectors including agriculture, aviation, water resources, disaster preparedness, health, and national security. Seasonal forecasts are also translated into up to 35 local languages, subject to available funding, to help farmers make informed decisions.

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The Ministry warned that the prolonged dry spell is expected to negatively affect several climate-sensitive sectors.

In agriculture, reduced crop yields, livestock stress and increased outbreaks of pests and diseases associated with hot and dry conditions are anticipated.

The water sector is expected to face declining water levels, shortages, increased risks of wildfires and biodiversity loss, while the health sector could see more heat-related illnesses, waterborne diseases and cases of poor nutrition.

Government also warned of possible social and economic consequences, including food insecurity, conflicts over scarce resources, migration, reduced household incomes and rising food prices.

To minimise the effects of the expected dry conditions, the Ministry urged communities to adopt water conservation measures, use water efficiently for both domestic and production purposes, promote heat safety awareness and make use of supplementary irrigation where water sources are available.

Farmers have also been encouraged to conserve soil moisture through mulching, plant drought-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties, preserve livestock fodder and closely monitor animals for heat stress and disease outbreaks.

Water authorities have been advised to closely monitor reservoirs and groundwater levels, while local leaders and disaster management agencies have been urged to strengthen measures against bushfires and continue disseminating early warning information to communities.

The Ministry said the dry and warm conditions are likely to persist into August 2026, stressing that timely planning and adaptation measures will be critical in reducing the impact on livelihoods and the economy.

Government also appealed for increased funding to strengthen Uganda’s Early Warning System through investment in specialised meteorological equipment and forecasting infrastructure, saying this would improve preparedness for future weather extremes.

The Ministry is expected to release its August weather update at the end of July, followed by the September–December 2026 seasonal forecast at the end of August.