KAMPALA.
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has predicted that the months of June, July, and August will be dominated by dry spells across most parts of the country. The south-western, central, Lake Victoria basin, and parts of the eastern region will be the most affected.
The latest forecast, released on May 30 by UNMA , indicates that most areas in the northern and eastern regions will receive above-normal rainfall, while the southern and central regions are expected to experience near-normal conditions, typically associated with dry weather. “These patterns are expected to affect various socio-economic sectors including agriculture, food security, health, and water resources,” said UNMA in a statement.
In the north-western and eastern regions, above-average rainfall is expected.
In contrast, parts of central and south-western Uganda will see near-normal or below-normal conditions. In the south-western highlands, including districts such as Kabale, Rukungiri, Bushenyi and Kanungu, near-normal dry conditions are expected.
In the south-western lowlands (Mbarara, Ntungamo, Isingiro, Ibanda, Kiruhura, Kazo), below-normal rainfall will dominate, with occasional isolated showers continuing until late July or early August. Light showers are expected to resume thereafter. The Rwenzori sub-region is forecast to experience near-normal rainfall, with scattered showers and thunderstorms continuing until mid-June, followed by dry conditions.
In central-western Uganda—Buliisa, Masindi, Hoima, Kagadi, and surrounding districts—dry conditions are expected to fully set in by mid-June and persist until mid-August, when rains will gradually return. However, areas such as Kiryandongo and Masindi may experience temporary relief around mid-June. The central region and Lake Victoria basin, particularly districts like Lyantonde, Sembabule, Mubende, Luweero, and Nakasongola, are likely to experience near-normal dry conditions.
Forecast for east
In the eastern Kyoga region—Pallisa, Kibuku, Soroti, Bukedea—above-normal rainfall is expected. In the Mount Elgon region, above-normal rainfall is highly likely. Isolated showers will continue through mid-June, ease slightly, then resume and persist throughout the season. The north-eastern districts—Katakwi, Amuria, Moroto, Abim, Kotido, and Kaabong—are also forecast to receive near-normal to above-normal rainfall.