Uganda has recorded at least 935,000 people affected by disasters since June, with floods, drought and storms among the hazards reported during the period.
The figure was presented Monday at the 74th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 74) in Kigali, Rwanda, where climate experts are reviewing the performance of the June-July-August rainfall season and assessing the outlook for the coming months.
Ideally, the presentation should have covered the performance until September, but the presenters chose to show what has happened during June and July 2026.
Herbert Omondi Misiani, a climate scientist at the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), said the regional assessment covering June to early August showed that Uganda was among countries that experienced significant impacts from weather-related hazards.
He reported that the hazards had several significant impacts on road transport, including the collapse of bridges in Uganda.
“And most importantly, what came out as significant for us was the schools and educational facilities, especially in Uganda, where there are quite a number of pupils who are affected, and the bridge collapse, which also interfered with road transport,” said Misiani.
Floods were reported in Uganda, South Sudan and Sudan, while storms affected Uganda and Djibouti. Drought was also reported in parts of Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan.
“The country with the highest number of affected populations was Ethiopia, which was over 6 million, followed by South Sudan and Somalia, which were 3 million and above, and Uganda reported at least 935,000. And in terms of displacement, of course, the highest number again came from South Sudan, over 1 million,” he revealed.
South Sudan recorded the highest number of people displaced, with more than one million people forced from their homes.
The regional assessment also recorded 278 deaths linked to disasters during the period under review, with South Sudan reporting the highest number.
The climate-related impacts have also been reflected in Uganda’s health sector, with the country recording more than 1.6 million malaria cases during the period covered by the assessment.
The forum was told that 146 deaths were reported among the malaria cases, with children and pregnant women accounting for the largest share of those affected. “Uganda, which had the highest number, over 1.6 million,” Misiani said.
“Malaria cases out of those 1.6 million, we had reported cases of death of 146.” Children accounted for 74 percent of those affected, while pregnant women represented 18 percent.
The assessment also recorded more than 130,000 malnutrition cases in Uganda, particularly in Karamoja, with children below five years accounting for 83 percent of the reported cases.
The experts warned that climate shocks can produce cascading impacts, with displacement and flooding increasing people’s exposure to disease outbreaks. “Even if you are displaced, go to IDP camp again, there’s that exposure to disease outbreaks,” Misiani said.
The disaster findings come as ICPAC forecasts continued below-normal rainfall in several parts of the Greater Horn of Africa during the coming months.
Presenting the June-July 2026 rainfall performance, Misiani said rainfall in several parts of the region broadly followed the seasonal forecast, although there were significant deviations in June.
He said below-normal rainfall was observed in several parts of Uganda, Western Kenya, southern South Sudan and Ethiopia in June.
“In June, we see the forecast was mostly above normal in Sudan, South Sudan, and parts of Uganda. However, the observation we see a different outcome. We see below normal in several parts, especially from Uganda, Western Kenya, southern parts of South Sudan and in Ethiopia,” he said.
Misiani said the outlook for August shows a high probability of below-normal rainfall, which could contribute to an overall below-normal performance for the season.
“The ongoing season remains largely consistent with the forecast, with a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall during August to October,” he said. He said the drying signal observed in the northern parts of the region is likely to persist and urged member states to closely monitor the situation.
The rainfall outlook is influenced by several climate drivers, including the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Madden-Julian Oscillation and Kelvin waves.
The experts also reported above-normal temperatures across much of Eastern Africa and said the warming conditions are expected to continue.
The Kigali meeting also stressed the importance of ensuring that climate information reaches communities early enough for them to take action.
Misiani said countries should not stop at producing forecasts at regional or national level, but should ensure that warnings reach vulnerable communities.
“Don’t leave it at regional level. If you leave Kigali, don’t stop it at this point. Take the warning to the last mile,” he said.
He cited radio, television, print media and bulletins as important channels for disseminating early warnings, including through local-language broadcasts.
The forum also highlighted Uganda’s pilot heat-health surveillance system, which links climate forecasts with disease monitoring and public health advisories.
The experts said strengthening the connection between forecasts, early warnings and early action is increasingly important as climate-related hazards continue to affect communities, infrastructure, health and livelihoods across the Greater Horn of Africa.
The 74th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum is being held in Kigali from August 17 to 18, bringing together climate experts, national meteorological services, policymakers and sector stakeholders to review recent climate conditions and develop forecasts and advisories for the region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
