Uganda to experience hotter, drier July weather, Environment Minister warns

By Our Reporter

The Minister of state for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar has warned that 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.

She said this while presenting a statement on Thursday, July 9th2026 during a plenary sitting chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa.

According to Anywar, 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.

She explained that the forecast is consistent with the June–July–August seasonal outlook earlier issued which predicted suppressed rainfall across Uganda due to the developing El Niño phenomenon over the equatorial Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Anywar also warned that the prolonged dry spell could significantly affect agriculture by reducing crop yields, stressing livestock, diminishing pasture, increasing pests and diseases and lowering overall food production.

She added that water resources are also likely to come under pressure through declining water levels, water shortages, an increased risk of wildfires and the degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

“Communities are encouraged to practice water conservation strategies, promote efficient use of water for domestic and production purposes”, she added.

Maruzi North Members of Parliament, Hon.    Benard Otim questioned why Uganda’s wetlands continue to suffer massive destruction. He called on the minister to implement stringent regulations to protect the wetlands.

Busiro South MP, Hon. Kenan Opio  emphasised the need for the ministry to expand urban green spaces.

“Are you considering bio diverse parks? Are you considering green roofs?” Opio asked.

Katikamu South Representative, Hon. Kirumira Hassan implored the minister to bring on board all stakeholders such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Health, Disaster and Local Government to mitigate the challenges arising from the climatic changes.

“We need to see an inter-ministerial approach to support interventions on changing climate, including our people too”, he said.

Anywar emphasised 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 the 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.