As July becomes warmer, MPs call for stronger climate response
The forecast is consistent with the June–July–August seasonal outlook previously issued by the Ministry of Water and Environment, which projected suppressed rainfall across Uganda due to the developing El Niño phenomenon over the Equatorial Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Environment state minister Beatrice Anywar says the July weather forecast points to a largely warm July. (Credit: Parliament of Uganda)
Environment state minister Beatrice Anywar has warned that Uganda is expected to experience predominantly dry and warmer-than-normal weather conditions throughout July, with below-average rainfall forecast across most parts of the country.
The monthly weather outlook indicates that the north and parts of eastern Uganda will receive only occasional light and isolated rainfall.
The central, Lake Victoria Basin, southwest and other parts of the east are expected to remain largely dry.
The forecast is consistent with the June–July–August seasonal outlook previously issued by the Ministry of Water and Environment, which projected suppressed rainfall across Uganda due to the developing El Niño phenomenon over the Equatorial Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament this week, Anywar cautioned that the prolonged dry spell is likely to affect agriculture through reduced crop yields, livestock stress, diminished pasture, increased pests and diseases, and lower food production.
"Communities are encouraged to practise water conservation strategies and promote efficient use of water for domestic and production purposes," she said.
During Thursday's plenary, MPs urged the government to strengthen environmental protection measures and improve coordination among ministries to address the effects of climate change.
Maruzi North MP Bernard Otim questioned why Uganda's wetlands continue to face widespread destruction despite existing environmental protection laws. He called on the ministry to enforce stricter measures to safeguard the country's wetlands.
Busiro South legislator Kenan Opio urged the ministry to prioritise the expansion of urban green spaces as part of climate adaptation efforts.
In response, minister Anywar said the weather forecast should guide planning and decision-making across climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, disaster preparedness, health, transport and water resources management.
She said the ministry will continue issuing regular weather updates, with the August 2026 monthly weather outlook expected at the end of July, followed by the September–December 2026 seasonal forecast at the end of August.
Lawmaker James Kakooza, who represents Older Persons, raised concerns over the effects of climate change on cattle corridors, warning that water shortages were threatening livestock and dairy production.
On this, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja responded by saying she had organised a meeting involving the three ministries of water, agriculture and local government to address the crisis.
Nabbanja said government would deploy available water bowsers to support water-stressed communities and pastoralists during the dry period.
“The few water bowsers in the country will be provided so that the communities can survive during this period."