UNMA predicts dry conditions over most parts of the country

By Luganda David, AFMC/NECJOGHA

Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has predicted dry conditions over most parts of the country except northern Uganda where it says wet conditions will continue.

“Areas in the southern and central cattle corridors, as well as those flanking western and northern parts of Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga basin and most areas in south western are likely to experience a reduction in, or no rainfall activity,” says the 10 day forecast (dekadal) for the period August 1-August 10 released by UNMA last week.

According to UNMA the rainfall forecast for this period is almost just like the previous one of the last ten days of July 2019 with a few changes.

However, the forecast indicates that rainfall activity is expected to prevail over the northern part of the country particularly in Lango, Acholi, Karamoja sub regions, adjacent areas to Lake Albert on its eastern part, areas of mountain Elgon but with more activity in the West Nile sub region.

UNMA’s forecast for temperature extremes (1 – 10 August, 2019) indicates that this period is expected to be characterised by the highest maximum temperatures ranging from 30 to 32°C in the northern part of the country particularly in the districts of West Nile sub region and those of Acholi including the southern part of Lake Albert.

However, the lowest minimum temperatures of about 8 to 10°C are projected to occur and impact over the south western tip of the country, the mountains of Rwenzori and Elgon. Overall, the lowest minimum temperatures of about 12°C are expected in central parts of western, some areas in south western and parts of central cattle corridor of the country.

Farmers are advised to carry out the following activities;

• The farming population of northern and north eastern is advised to construct drainage channels across and around their crop parcels for all those located in low lying areas to reduce water logging. Water logging is often associated with delayed cultivation, decay of crop roots and reduction in maturity period of crops.
• Undertake tree planting to reduce damaging impact of strong winds and this is also a source of livelihood because trees can be sold to obtain money.
• Any crop harvests should be dried on clean facilities (such as tarpaulin, large flat surface stony areas) to avoid compromising quality.
• Undertake natural water harvesting by directing run off to depressions or trenches to provide water for cultivation and animals whenever it falls.
• Harvest water by any possible means using storage facility which can be earthen pots, rooftop systems, surface reservoirs or small pits about 2 metres long to a depth of 5 to 15 centimetres filled with organic matter.
• Pruning of tree cops should be undertaken as well as mulching which is critical for moisture conservation.
• Monitor and report any emergence of crop pests, animal parasites and plant diseases to technical staff at sub county and district

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