The ministry of water and environment has advised farmers to in the South-Western, Central, Lake Victoria Basin and South Eastern regions have been advised to start securing inputs and early land preparations, which will allow timely planting.
A statement released by the ministry today indicates that there is increased probability for above normal rainfall for western region of Uganda, normal rainfall for central, Lake Victoria basin, south-eastern, and central-northern Uganda, and below normal for Karamoja region and parts of Lango and Acholi regions.
“It should be noted that the onset of seasonal rains is expected to be characterized by severe thunderstorms and hailstorms over several parts of the country” the statement indicates.
Breakdown of regional forecast;
Eastern Uganda;
(Jinja, Mayuge, Kamuli, Iganga, Bugiri, Namayingo, Luuka, Namutumba, Buyende, Kaliro, Busia and Tororo districts)
According to Festo Luboyera the Executive Director Uganda National Meteorological Authority, this region has been experiencing dry conditions since December, but onset of seasonal rains is expected around early to mid-March and the peak is expected around mid-April through early May.
Overall, this region has a high chance of receiving near normal rainfall.
(Pallisa, Budaka, Kibuku, Mbale, Sironko, Manafwa, Bududa, Kapchorwa, Kumi, Kaberamaido, Soroti, Serere, Amolatar, Butaleja, Bulambuli, Kween, Bukwo, Bukedea, and Ngora districts)
The onset of seasonal rains over this region is expected around mid-March. The peak rains are expected around late April.
Overall, the region is expected to receive near normal rains.
(Katakwi, Moroto, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Abim, Napak, Amdat, Amuria, and Kaabong districts)
This region according to Luboyera has been experiencing dry conditions reaching drought levels in several areas since December. He however explains that irregular light rains are expected to set in around late March, thereafter a prolonged dry spell is expected until mid-April when steady rains are expected to get established. The peak in this region is expected to get established.
Overall, there are high chances for below normal rainfall over this region.
Northern Uganda;
(Lira, Alebtong, Kitgum, Agago, Otuke, Pader, Kole and Dokolo districts)
The onset of normal seasonal rainfall is expected around early to mid-April. Moderate relaxation of rains is expected around mid-June.
Overall, near normal rainfall with tendency to below normal is expected during this season.
(Gulu, Apac, Lamwo, Nwoya, Amuru, Oyam and Kiryandongo)
The region is currently experiencing dry spells which are expected to continue up to mid/late March when the onset of the seasonal rains is expected to get established. However, the moderate relaxation of rains is expected around mid-June.
Overall, there are high chances for near normal rains over this region.
(Moyo, Arua, Maracha, Nebbi, Adjumani, Yumbe, Koboko, Terego, and Zombo districts)
This region has been experiencing dry conditions since January. The onset of seasonal rainfall is expected around late March to early April. The peak of the rainfall is expected around mid-June 2017.
Overall, there are high chances for near normal to above normal over this region.
Western Uganda;
(Kisoro, Kabale, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Mbarara, Kiruhura, Isingiro, Ibanda, Bushenyi, Buhweju, Mitooma, Sheema, Rubirizi, and Kasese districts)
This region has been experiencing dry conditions since December. But according to Luboyera, the onset of seasonal rainfall is expected late February to early March. The peak of the rainfall is expected around mid-April.
Overall, the region is expected to receive above normal rainfall during this season.
The ministry advises that farmers plant long maturing crops like millet, rice, sorghum, maize, Cassava and sweet potatoes on the start of rains and short quick maturing crops later as the rains progress such as legumes, root tubers and vegetables.