Current rains in central and eastern Uganda short lived

The current rain that is being experienced in recent days in parts of central and eastern Uganda will continue in the coming five days, according to Deus Bamanya,  the Director Applied Meteorology, Data and Climate Services at the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA).

Bamanya described the rains as short lived rains that are likely to be followed by the dry spell experienced in June, July and August. He attributed the current rain to the shift of the rain making belt, the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) into Uganda.

"This situation is temporary," he said, adding, "Most parts of the country have been cloudy and have experienced thunderstorms.
He advised farmers to start preparing their gardens pointing out, "We are monitoring the situation and we are likely to have an early onset for the short-October-December rain season."

A detailed weather report, according to Bamanya is being prepared ahead of the rain season. He said a regional meeting which is expected to come up with the weather forecast for October-December season will be convened in Kampala on August 29th.

He also pointed out that the rain season, which begins in April in northern parts of the country is still on and is likely to end in the coming weeks.

Advisory for farmers expected

Asked whether farmers should start planting, he pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture would provide an advisory to the farmers. He said that this would take place after they have come up with a weather forecast for the rain season.
 
The low lying areas of Kampala that are plagued with floods, according to Bamanya should de-silt the clogged water ways to minimize flooding incidences. The people staying in landslide prone areas are also advised to move to safer areas.