Relief in Kiteny as rains return but food insecurity fears persist

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Relief has swept across Kiteny sub-county in Kitgum district following the long-awaited return of rainfall after months of severe drought that disrupted farming and threatened livelihoods.

The rains, which resumed on April 27, 2026, mark the first consistent precipitation since November 2025. For a community heavily dependent on seasonal agriculture, the development has brought cautious optimism among farmers.

Salvatore Akena, a 70-year-old resident, described the prolonged dry spell as unusual for an area historically known for its fertile soils and strong agricultural output.

“For generations, Kiteny has been a major producer of staple foods such as maize, millet, sorghum, groundnuts, and sesame,” Akena said. “This year, the rain delay has been unbearable.”

Traditionally, the first planting season begins in March, with harvesting expected between June and July. However, this year’s delayed rains are likely to push harvests to late August or September.

Akena noted that earlier in the year, the area only received “Omol-lil,” the light seasonal rain that typically falls in February. This early rainfall helps soften the soil, encourages vegetation regrowth after bush burning, and prepares land for planting.

“In the past, by this time, women would already be weeding millet, and maize crops would be thriving,” he said.

Rising food insecurity concerns

Despite the return of rain, concerns over food security remain high. Many households have already exhausted their food reserves due to the prolonged drought.

Akena linked the situation to climate change and increasing environmental pressures, including the movement of elephants from Kidepo Valley National Park into community farmlands.

“These elephants are uprooting trees, including the sacred shea nut trees, which are culturally protected,” he said.

Local leaders say the presence of wildlife is worsening conditions, as communities now compete with animals for wild fruits that often serve as emergency food sources during drought.

Indigenous forecasting persists

Amid changing weather patterns, residents continue to rely on traditional methods to predict rainfall. These include observing the colour of the dawn sky and listening to bird calls.

According to local beliefs, darker dawn skies indicate impending rain, while reddish skies suggest dry conditions. Certain bird sounds are also interpreted as signals of either rainfall or continued drought.

Youth express mixed reactions

For younger residents, the return of rain has sparked renewed activity. Farmers have begun preparing land and planting fast-maturing crops such as potatoes.

“These crops can mature within three months and may help ease food shortages,” said Samuel Omony Akena, a local youth.

However, he warned that the unpredictability of weather patterns remains a major concern.

“We fear the rains could stop again abruptly,” he said.

Leaders urge caution

Local authorities have welcomed the rainfall but are urging residents to remain cautious.

Kiteny subcounty LCIII chairperson Alfred said that, since the reliability of the rains remains uncertain, farmers should not rush to plant crops that require high water levels, such as coffee, for fear that if the rains stop abruptly, they may lose their investment.

He encouraged locals that, as the first planting season comes to a climax, farmers should begin preparing for the second planting season, which begins in July.

Okema acknowledged the hardship caused by the drought, noting that both dry conditions and wildlife intrusion have strained livelihoods.

“The situation has brought suffering to our people,” Okema said. “We must remain cautious even as the rains return.”

Uthan Apire, Kitgum district’s deputy agricultural officer, said officials are yet to receive formal reports from extension workers in Kiteny.

He noted that several areas in Chua East County, including Orom, Kiteny, Namokora, and Omiya-Anyima, have experienced unreliable rainfall.

Once assessments are completed, Apire said the district may request relief support, including food aid and seeds for farmers who lost crops during the drought.

Kitgum resident district commissioner Jimmy Ebil Segawa also highlighted ongoing challenges, noting that limited rainfall continues to threaten food security in parts of the district.

However, he added that the return of rain provides an opportunity for farmers to plant short-maturing crops.

If conditions worsen, he said, authorities will seek intervention from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Regional disparities in rainfall

While Kitgum continues to face erratic weather, neighbouring districts such as Agago, Pader, and Lamwo are receiving more consistent rainfall.

In western Acholi districts, including Amuru, Nwoya, Omoro, and Gulu, crop conditions are reported to be favourable.

In Amuru, crops such as maize, rice, millet, and soybeans are thriving.

Areas like Apaa have even attracted farmers from other districts seeking land to cultivate, often through rental arrangements.

Weather outlook and advisory

According to meteorological officials, the March to April to May season began with dry conditions but is expected to stabilise as it progresses.

Rainfall was projected to normalise between April and June, followed by a short dry spell before the second planting season begins in July.

Agricultural experts are urging farmers to adopt climate-smart practices, including dry planting and the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties, to reduce the risk of crop failure.

For now, authorities emphasise the need for vigilance, balancing renewed hope with the reality of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.