Uganda is preparing for a potentially wetter-than-normal September-December rainy season, with authorities across key sectors putting preventive measures in place to limit the disruptions that can follow excessive rainfall.
This comes after the Ministry of Water and Environment warned that several parts of the country could experience above-normal rainfall episodes during the period, with the effects potentially extending into early 2027.
In a July 30 weather advisory, the Permanent Secretary Alfred Okot Okidi said the anticipated El Niño could increase the risk of flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage, disease outbreaks and disruption of livelihoods.
Flood-prone lowlands, urban centres with inadequate drainage, river catchments, wetlands and mountainous areas were identified as particularly vulnerable.
Although the exact magnitude and impact of the rains are still being assessed, authorities say the warning provides an opportunity to act before the rains intensify.
The Ministry of Works and Transport says it has already began preventive maintenance on vulnerable sections of the road network and is preparing teams to respond quickly if roads are damaged or cut off.
According to Mr Allan Ssempebwa, the senior communications officer at the ministry, preventive maintenance is being undertaken particularly on the gravel-road network, which can be affected when water from streams and other water bodies flows onto them.
‘We’ve had a continuous maintenance programme that includes drainage improvements, routine gravelling, preparing these networks for adverse effects of the El Niño rains.
Some roads traverse through wetlands, low-lying areas and various water bodies, hence prone to being submerged or washed away,’ he added.
Mr Ssempebwa explained that the maintenance work has been undertaken in areas including Kisoro and the wider Kigezi Sub-region, the mountainous areas of the Rwenzori and Elgon, as well as parts of central Uganda where roads traverse areas near water basins.
‘The ministry has also activated standby emergency response mechanisms at its 24 service and maintenance stations across the country to respond to sections of the road network that could be affected by flooding and other weather-related damage,’ he added.
Weather experts, including World Meteorological Organisation, said El Niño is a natural shift in Pacific Ocean temperatures that recurs every two to seven years, as the trade winds that push warm water westward weaken and the heat spreads back across the ocean.
Kampala’s drainage test
Heavy downpours have repeatedly exposed weaknesses in the city’s drainage system, leaving streets and businesses vulnerable to flooding.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) spokesperson Daniel Nuweabiine said the authority is clearing and desilting drainage channels, while also addressing one of the major causes of blocked drains: irresponsible dumping of waste.
He said local leaders and community teams are being mobilised to ensure residents keep their surroundings clean and prevent waste from entering drainage channels.
‘KCCA teams have been working on major drainage channels along Luwum Street, William Street and other parts of Kampala, including the Nakivubo drainage channel, removing accumulated rubbish and soil to improve the movement of stormwater,’ he said.
The authority is also expanding the drainage network in areas where existing channels have struggled to cope with runoff.
Along Ssebaana and Allen roads, Mr Nuweabiine said KCCA has introduced about 18 culvert crossings to drain water into the Nakivubo Channel.
‘Another intervention is an underground drainage culvert along Namirembe Road, which is at an advanced stage of completion. It is intended to improve the movement of stormwater from Luwum Street towards Namirembe Road and into the wider drainage system. KCCA has also worked on river banks in Kabowa to improve water flow,’ he explained.
When rains begin, Mr Nuweabiine said trucks and emergency response teams will be positioned to evacuate water quickly from high-risk areas, including the city centre and Nakivubo Parish.
‘The measures are intended to reduce the duration and severity of flooding in areas that have repeatedly experienced waterlogging during heavy downpours.’
Agriculture
For farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries urges communities to treat excessive rainfall as a resource that can be harvested and stored for periods of low rains.
Permanent Secretary, Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama said farmers should capture and control the water rather than allow it to damage crops.
He added that farmers can also reduce the risk of crop damage through water harvesting and proper garden preparation. For farmers cultivating on hillsides, particularly in areas such as Bududa, the PS said the focus should be on preventing soil erosion and mudslides.
He advised farmers to use contours and avoid cultivating on loose soils on steep slopes, which can be washed away during heavy rainfall.
‘Don’t cultivate on steep hills in a way that leaves the soil loose, because when there is too much rain, the soil can be washed away and cause mudslides.
Our District production officers on the ground are also helpful in guiding farmers at this time,’ he said.
He noted that farmers should instead ensure that cultivation takes place in appropriate areas and use measures to slow down and control water movement on slopes to prevent soil erosion and mudslides.
Health
The anticipated rains also raise concern about disease outbreaks, particularly where flooding contaminates water sources, damages sanitation facilities or creates stagnant water.
Dr Dan Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health, highlighted that the focus should be on preventing contamination and detecting diseases early, particularly in communities where flooding can compromise sanitation and water sources.
‘The measures that the Ministry of Health has previously used remain relevant, including strengthened disease surveillance, providing additional medicines and supplies, chlorinating water sources and intensifying malaria prevention,’ he said.
Dr Kyabayinze added: ‘The ministry has also used health education and community mobilisation, trained Village Health Teams for emergency response, conducted outreach activities and mapped areas considered at high risk of disease outbreaks.’
Uganda last experienced significant El Niño rains during the 2023-2024 season, which brought above-normal rainfall, widespread flooding, damage to roads and bridges, and deadly landslides in various parts of the country, especially in eastern and western Uganda.
The World Meteorological Organisation states that many parts of the world are likely to experience wetter-than-normal conditions, including areas across the Greater Horn of Africa, parts of Central Asia, Southern Europe, Western North America and Southeastern South America.