With more rains to come, Ugandans urged to 'prioritise safety'

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From the deadly landslides in the Mount Elgon region to flooding in downtown Kampala that has left arcade traders counting heavy losses, the devastating impact of the seasonal heavy rains is already being felt in different parts of Uganda. 

Yet, the rains are not about to let up.

According to a report by the Ministry of Water and Environment, the current heavy rains are expected to persist for an extended period, with localised occurrences of flash floods.

Heavy downpour destroyed property worth millions of shillings in Nakivubo. (File)

Property affected by the heavy downpour in Nakivubo. (File/Mpalanyi Ssentongo))

With this in mind, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has urged the public to "plan their journeys carefully, exercise patience, and prioritise safety at all times."

In a Wednesday (November 5) statement, the minister warned road users not to attempt crossing flooded road sections.

The community access road blocked by the flood. (Photo By Christopher Nyeko)

He also said his ministry is "continuously assessing high-risk corridors" and is working to "prioritise the strengthening of embankments and drainage systems, the replacement of undersized or aged culverts, and the raising of road levels in low-lying flood-prone sections".

Wamala said that in the medium and long term, the Government is developing climate-resilient road designs to withstand extreme weather events.

Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala. (File)

Below is the minister's full statement on the impact of heavy rains on the roads and transport infrastructure and the national response action:

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I wish to inform the general public and travelers that the ongoing heavy rains across the country have led to flooding, embankment failures, mudslides and washouts on several sections of the national road network.

It is important to note that, just like other countries in the region, Uganda is experiencing a global weather phenomenon.

And according to the Ministry of Water and Environment's Seasonal Rainfall Outlook for September to December 2025 report, these heavy rains are expected to persist for an extended period with localised occurrences of flash floods. 

The public is, therefore, urged to plan their journeys carefully, exercise patience, and prioritise safety at all times.

Government response

All our construction, rehabilitation and maintenance units are on the ground across the country, coordinating and executing emergency works. These units, together with the district and urban authorities, are fully mobilized to secure and reinstate damaged road sections to restore full connectivity.

The current interventions include the clearing of landslides along the Rubuguri-Katojo and Kapchorwa-Suam roads, as well as the restoration of the damaged section along the Karuma-Kamdini Road.

Public safety advisory

I strongly caution all road users not to attempt crossing flooded road sections, as the water may conceal washed-away surfaces or unstable foundations, posing extreme danger to motorists and pedestrians. 

Drivers of heavy trucks and trailers are advised to strictly follow diversion routes and traffic control instructions to prevent additional damage and ensure the safety of all road users.

Technical monitoring and long-terms measures

The ministry is continuously assessing high-risk corridors and will prioritise the strengthening of embankments and drainage systems, the replacement of undersized or aged culverts, and the raising of road levels in low-lying flood-prone sections.

In the medium and long term, the Government is developing climate-resilient road designs to withstand extreme weather events, for example, the ongoing reconstruction of Katonga, Lwera and Kalandazi swampy sections along the Kampala-Masaka highway.

I appreciate your patience and co-operation during this period. We urge every Ugandan to exercise caution, remain vigilant, and prioritise safety above all.