The Office of the Prime Minister has issued a weather advisory alert warning of destructive rainfall expected from February 19th to February 28th, 2026, in Western, Central (Lake Victoria Basin), and Eastern Uganda, particularly Elgon and Bukedi regions.
The alert highlights the risk of heavy rainfall and flash floods in these areas, and urges residents to take necessary precautions.
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment, the period is generally characterised by hot, dry, and sunny conditions, marking the end of the December to February dry season.
However, heavy showers are currently being experienced in the Central region, particularly around Lake Victoria basin, and Southwestern parts of the country, while other parts of the country are receiving isolated outbreaks of showers.
“It is also important to note that in February, Kigezi region may experience occasional, isolated rainfall compared to the rest of the country which experiences a clear, dry, and hot season,” the statement from the Ministry of Water and Environment reads.
Mr Alfred Okot Okidi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, stated that the current rainfall being observed over parts of the country is expected to continue and spread to most parts of the country, with a slight relaxation towards the end of February.
Over this period, Western, Central, and parts of Eastern region, particularly Elgon region and districts around Lake Victoria basin, are expected to experience enhanced rainfall, while the remaining parts of the country, Northern and Eastern regions, are expected to experience moderate isolated rainfall during this period.
However, Mr Okidi noted that towards the end of February 2026, Kigezi region, parts of Central and Eastern region, especially the Elgon areas, are expected to experience enhanced rainfall, as the rest of the country (Western, Northern, and many parts of Eastern and Central regions) are expected to go through a slight relaxation of the current conditions.
The expected impacts include flash floods in low-lying and flood-prone areas, urban flooding, transport disruptions, landslides, mudslides, and rock falls on Mount Elgon and Kigezi regions, strong winds, and hailstorms.
In light of the expected weather conditions, Ugandans in flood-prone areas have been advised to avoid crossing flooded roads and bridges, clear drainage channels, and stay alert. Those in landslide-prone areas should activate contingency plans, avoid cultivation and construction on unstable slopes, and monitor cracks in the soil or leaning trees.
The advisory also urges local authorities to inspect high-risk zones and issue guidance to residents. Mapped and registered households in landslide-prone areas should evacuate when signs become eminent and report the signs to local authorities.
Farmers have been urged to use the rains to prepare gardens for early planting of food crops and fruit trees to improve nutrition and restore degraded areas. Additionally, they should secure loose roofing and avoid sheltering under isolated trees during thunderstorms.
The OPM and the Ministry of Water and Environment are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.