Hot and drier weather expected throughout July, says minister
The Minister explained that the forecast is consistent with the June–July–August seasonal outlook, which earlier predicted suppressed rainfall across Uganda due to the developing El Niño phenomenon over the equatorial Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean
KAMPALA, July 10, 2026 — Uganda is expected to experience predominantly dry and warmer-than-normal weather conditions throughout July 2026, with below-average rainfall forecast across most parts of the country, the Minister of State for Environment, Beatrice Anywar, has warned.
Anywar issued the warning on Thursday while presenting a statement during a plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
She said the country’s weather outlook indicates that Northern Uganda and parts of Eastern Uganda will receive only occasional light and isolated rainfall, while Central Uganda, the Lake Victoria Basin, Southwestern Uganda, and other parts of Eastern Uganda are expected to remain largely dry.
The Minister explained that the forecast is consistent with the June–July–August seasonal outlook, which earlier predicted suppressed rainfall across Uganda due to the developing El Niño phenomenon over the equatorial Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Anywar warned that the prolonged dry spell could have significant impacts on agriculture, including reduced crop yields, increased stress on livestock, declining pasture availability, a rise in pests and diseases, and reduced overall food production.
She added that water resources are also likely to come under pressure due to declining water levels, water shortages, an increased risk of wildfires, and the degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity.
“Communities are encouraged to practise water conservation strategies and promote the efficient use of water for domestic and production purposes,” she said.
On his part, Maruzi North Member of Parliament [MP] Benard Otim questioned why Uganda’s wetlands continue to face massive destruction, calling on the Minister to implement stringent measures to protect the country’s wetland ecosystems.
Busiro South MP Kenan Opio emphasised the need for the Ministry to expand urban green spaces.
“Are you considering biodiversity parks? Are you considering green roofs?” Opio asked.
Katikamu South MP Kirumira Hassan urged the Minister Anywar to bring on board all stakeholders, including the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Disaster Preparedness, and Local Government, to address challenges arising from climate change.
“We need to see an inter-ministerial approach to support interventions on climate change, including involving our people too,” he said.
Anywar stressed that the weather forecast should guide planning and decision-making across all climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, disaster preparedness, health, transport, and water resources management.
She added that her ministry will continue issuing regular weather updates, with the August 2026 monthly weather outlook expected at the end of July, followed by the September–December 2026 seasonal forecast at the end of August.
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