Joyce Namugambe
Uganda National Meteorological Authority UNMA has warned the public about the heavy rains that is expected in a period of 4 months, it is expected to be destructive thereby warning the public about it.
During a 2 days training for climate change journalists at Acacia Hotel in Mbarara, a representative from UNMA from Rwiz and Buganda region Abubaker Kalema who takes over districts such as Mpigi, Masaka, Mubende, Lyantonde, Ntungamo, Isingiro and others emphasised that they are expecting the rain to increase since September to December 2023 and urged people to stay alert.
He warns that this rain which is known as Elinino has come as a result of the heavy winds coming from the Indian Ocean and it will be heavier as compared to the usual and Normal rain without winds. He emphasised that this kind of rain last happened in 1997 and ever since then, it had never happened again.
Kalema has therefore warned people staying in wetlands and mud slide areas such as Buduuda, Bulambuli among others, to shift as soon possible to save their lives from the dangers of the heavy rain.
This rain is expected to result into infectious diseases such as malaria, diarrhea and others therefore the public is warned to be vigilant. Farmers have been warned to be careful with the rain through planning on growing water resistant plants so that they can stand the heavy rains, and also be vigilant with their animals so that they don’t get infected.
The heavy rains have so far destroyed people’s properties and scared lives around the country especially in areas around the wetlands. This has been witnessed in kampala, Nateete, Lugogo, Nabulagala, Bulange and others.
