Minister Engola directs local authorities to prepare for El Niño rains

7 October 2026, 3:25 pm

By Baker Okello

The Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, has directed district disaster management committees and local leaders across the country, including those in the Lango Sub-region, to update their emergency response plans and set aside funds to prepare for the anticipated El Niño rains.

Speaking recently during a grand fundraising event at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Dokolo District, Engola, who is also the Erute South County Member of Parliament, urged local governments to utilise available local resources and maintenance grants to repair vulnerable roads and bridges ahead of the expected heavy rains.

The minister said the El Niño weather pattern, expected to peak between October and December 2026, could trigger severe storms, landslides, widespread flooding and waterlogging in several parts of the country.

He directed local leaders to identify families living in low-lying and flood-prone areas and facilitate their timely relocation to safer locations. Particular attention, he said, should be given to communities living around the shores of Lake Kwania and Lake Kyoga in the Lango region.

Engola said the government has finalised a comprehensive national El Niño response plan but faces a funding gap of Shs 90 billion across key areas of preparedness and response.

The minister also urged local authorities to make effective use of early warning systems and take preventive measures, including clearing drainage channels and reinforcing critical roads and bridges, before flooding disrupts access to health facilities, markets and other essential services.