According to the latest forecast from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), the first rainy season of 2024 is expected to bring more rainfall compared to the previous year, suggesting the potential for improved crop yields.
Dr. Bob Alex Ogwang, the acting executive director of UNMA, stated in a March 1 announcement that the country should anticipate near-normal to above-normal rainfall during the forecast period of March, April, and May (MAM) 2024.
UNMA emphasized the importance of using the MAM 2024 forecast for planning rain-fed economic activities to enhance economic welfare and livelihoods for communities across the country.
In this updated projection, rainfall is anticipated to commence earlier than usual, with the southern regions of the country expected to experience the onset as early as “early March,” while the northern regions are forecasted to receive rainfall by “mid to late March.”
This early onset contrasts with last year’s projection, which indicated the onset in southern areas around “mid-March” and in northern areas “late March and early April.”
Uganda typically experiences two primary rainy seasons: MAM and September-October-November-December (SOND). Additionally, regions in the northern sector of the country encounter a third rainfall season during June-July-August (JJA).
For the MAM season of this year, Dr. Ogwang highlighted that areas expected to receive above-normal rainfall include highland regions of southwestern Uganda, Mount Elgon, and parts of Karamoja.
He further explained, “The rainfall onset is expected to be established around early March in the southern parts of the country, especially in Southwestern, Central, Western Lake Victoria basin, and eastern. While for northern and northeastern areas of the country, the onset is expected around mid to late March.”
Dr. Ogwang cautioned that the onset of rainfall might be accompanied by severe isolated thunderstorms characterized by strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms.
This forecast provides valuable insights for farmers, policymakers, and communities to prepare for the upcoming rainy season and its potential impact on agricultural activities and livelihoods.
