Plant now:Lango farmers urged as favourable rains set in

6 March 2026, 12:41

By Winnie Auma $ Gloria Aceng

Farmers in Lango sub-region have been urged to start planting following the onset of the current rains expected to last for several weeks.According to George William Omony, the Manager for Forecasting Services at the National Meteorological Authority, the rains that were experienced in February were temporary.

He explained that the current rains are expected to continue through April and May, with some areas likely to experience thunderstorms.Omony added that rainfall will slightly reduce for a few weeks between May and June in most parts of the Lango sub-region.

He therefore called on farmers to take advantage of the current rains and plant their crops immediately to ensure a good harvest.

However, Omony warned residents living near lakes and other water bodies to relocate to safer areas, saying such places are likely to be affected by floods during the rainy season.He also advised the public to remain vigilant against lightning by installing lightning arresters in public places such as schools, churches, and hospitals.

Meanwhile, Omony cautioned locals against taking shelter under trees during rainfall and staying in dilapidated houses, noting that this could expose them to danger.

Hillary Onek, the minister of relief, disastor preparedness and refugees has issued a circular indicating that near- to above-average rainfall is expected in parts of West Nile, Lango, Rwenzori, Kigezi, some parts of Acholi, Bugisu, Bukedi, some parts of Teso and Buganda.

He said flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas and on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon, including districts such as Butaleja, Rubanda, Kisoro, Amuru, Obongi, Pakwach, Kayunga, Kalungu, Rakai, Kitgum, Otuke, Lamwo, Serere, Bukedea, and Kasese. According to him, this may result in destruction of livelihoods, and damages to infrastructure.

He says flash floods in Kampala and other cities, and urban authorities, potentially disrupting transport and business activities.He said government strongly encourage communities in sub-regions expected to receive abovenormal rainfall to take full advantage of the rains by maximizing water harvesting and increasing food production as coping mechanisms during the dry season and periods of scarcity.

Onek added that as government continues to monitor rainfall patterns and evolving weather conditions, calling upon District Disaster Management Committees and District Disaster Policy Committees to intensify community sensitization, closely monitor early warning signals, and encourage timely action at community level.