By Our Staff Reporter

February 22, 2026
Uganda– The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has issued an urgent directive to local authorities in the Elgon and Kigezi sub-regions, warning of anticipated heavy rainfall and the heightened risk of hydrological disasters from mid- to late February 2026.

In a letter addressed to Chief Administrative Officers, the OPM signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by Mwenyi Davis C.M. highlighted a weather update from the Ministry of Water and Environment forecasting significant rainfall through February 28, 2026. The advisory emphasizes that the downpours, described as potentially heavy, could trigger landslides, mudslides, flooding, and other related hazards, especially in mountainous and flood-prone areas.

“These hazards may result in loss of life, displacement of communities, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods,” the letter states.

The directive comes amid reports of unseasonal rainfall patterns across parts of Uganda, defying the typical dry conditions expected in February as the tail end of the December–January–February dry season. The Ministry of Water and Environment has attributed the persistent and spreading showers to atmospheric influences like the Madden Julian Oscillation, with enhanced rainfall projected particularly toward the end of the month in Kigezi, parts of Central, and Eastern regions including the Elgon areas.

The OPM has instructed district leaders to implement immediate preparedness measures, including:
1. Encouraging at-risk households to seek temporary shelter with host families during the rainy period to minimize casualties and property damage.
2. Disseminating the alert to lower local governments, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders.
3. Activating District Disaster Preparedness and Response Mechanisms to ensure readiness for any emergencies.
4. Sensitizing communities about local risks and vulnerabilities to promote mitigation actions.

Authorities are also urged to closely monitor developments and report updates regularly to the OPM and the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC) via the toll-free line 0800 177 777. This will facilitate timely interventions to prevent loss of life and property.

The letter underscores the government’s proactive stance on disaster risk reduction, noting that floods and landslides have historically caused significant displacement in vulnerable regions like Elgon and nearby highlands.

Residents in the affected sub-regions, particularly those in steep, mountainous terrain or low-lying areas, are advised to remain vigilant for signs of impending hazards—such as soil cracks or unusual water flows—and to heed any evacuation warnings promptly.

The OPM and Ministry of Water and Environment have committed to ongoing monitoring and further public updates as weather conditions evolve.

This alert aligns with broader regional forecasts indicating above-normal rainfall in parts of East Africa, raising concerns about flood risks in neighboring countries as well. No immediate reports of major incidents tied to this specific forecast period have emerged, but officials stress prevention to avert potential tragedies.