Uganda braces for above-normal rainfall as El Niño looms
“The El Niño episode is expected to intensify during the season. This suggests an increased likelihood of enhanced rainfall, particularly over the Central, Northern and Eastern regions of Uganda,” Okidi said.
Dr Alfred Okot Okidi Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water and Environment addressing a press conference regarding the climate change outlook in Kampala August 31, 2026. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)
KAMPALA - Starting this month (September) up to December, the country is expected to receive El Niño rains, Water and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Alfred Okidi has revealed.
According to Okidi, the anticipated El Niño rains will bring up to 25% more rainfall than the average downpours that the country has been experiencing.
“The El Niño episode is expected to intensify during the season. This suggests an increased likelihood of enhanced rainfall, particularly over the Central, Northern and Eastern regions of Uganda,” he said.
(L-R) Abubaka Kalema,the principal Meteorology, Deus Bamanya Assistant Commissioner Meteorology, Data and Climate Services, Dr Alfred Okot Okidi, the Permanent Ministry of Water and Environment, Bob Ogwang, the Commissioner Department Meteorology and George Omony, the principal Meteorology after addressing a press conference regarding the Climate change outlook in Kampala August 31 2026. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)
Okidi pointed out the need for enhanced water storage and harvesting through dams, strengthening catchment management and erosion control, as well as proper waste management to minimise inflow into water channels.
He appealed to the energy sector to plan for optimisation of power generation and distribution, as well as for communities that stay around water bodies to monitor water levels and report to the relevant authorities.
The warning amplifies earlier messages sent out by the Office of the Prime Minister about forthcoming El Niño rains.