By Odwori Brian,
KAMPALA
The state minister for water and environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar Atim has urged farmers in various parts of the country to start preparing their fields for plantation as the rain season begins.
The minister was in the company of the officials from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) and the office of the prime Minister (OPM) at the release of the weather forecast for Uganda between September and December, 2023 at Uganda Media Centre today.
During the media briefing, the minister said that heavy rains will be received throughout the country between September and December, this year.
“We expect above normal rainfall over several parts of the country,” said minister Anywar.
The minister therefore encouraged farmers to prepare their fields for plantations.
“The predicted rains require action in sufficient time and in an appropriate manner so as to take advantage of the information. This forecast should be used for planning and decision-making in all rain-fed economic activities to improve economic welfare and livelihoods,” she said
She advised farmers to plant long growing crops such as millet, sweet potatoes, sorghum at the beginning of the rains and short maturing crops at a later stage as well as planning for pruning of fruit plantations.
The minister alarted that different regions will receive rain in different phases and amount depending on the climate in that particular area.
“Central Northern Parts: Gulu, Apac, Kwania Pader, Lamwo, Nwoya, Amuru, Oyam and Kiryandongo districts. The rains that are being experienced over this region are expected to continue up to around late November, and thereafter, a reduction in the rainfall,” she added
According to the minister, the heavy rainfall is likely to be above 125% of the long term and this may impact on socio-economic activities.
She also cautioned people living in flood and landslides prone areas such as those staying in mountainous areas not to wait for the worst calamities to happen but to vacate early.
She further warned on lightning and thunderstorms urging ugandans to avoid use of mobile phones, stop getting shelter under tree shades, playing in open grounds while it is raining. She says Ugandans especially the school going children should wear rubber shoes and schools installed with lightning arrestors to prevent lightning incidents.
