By Andrew S. Kaggwa – Climate Journalist
The present rainy season is expected to reach its peak between mid this month and early May.
“The month of April is usually the peak for March-April-May (MAM) rainfall season in most areas of the country, with much wetter conditions than average expected. This is because of the direct positioning of the overhead sun over equator. However, a relaxation/reduction in rainfall activity is expected during the second and third weeks of April 2026 in most areas over northern and eastern parts of the country,” reads a statement from the Department of Meteorological Services (DMS) under the Ministry of Water and Environment.
In its forecast for April 2026, DMS says that Western, mid-Northern, Mount Elgon, and parts of West Nile regions are expected to receive enhanced rainfall during the month of April, while other areas in the country are expected to receive enhanced rainfall in the last ten days of April, following the relaxation period.
DMS goes on to give a regional outbreak of the April 2026 rainfall outlook as below:
Western Region – Most parts of this region are currently receiving enhanced rainfall, which is expected to persist, reaching peak level around mid to late April. The current rainfall is expected to increase in intensity and coverage over most parts of this region. Overall, most areas in this region are expected to receive much more enhanced rainfall during this month of April.
Central Region – The rainfall being experienced over this region is an indication of a well-established rainfall, though this is expected to experience a slight relaxation with occasional isolated rains over parts of this region. This is expected to persist until mid-April, when enhanced rainfall is expected to resume from around mid to late April. Overall, this region is expected to receive enhanced rainfall in the month of April.
Eastern Region – The ongoing rainfall over this region is an indication of an established, stable rainfall. The rainfall is expected to experience a slight relaxation, with occasional isolated rains over parts of this region, and will persist until late-April, when wetter conditions are expected to resume until early May. Overall, this region is expected to receive enhanced rainfall during April.
Northern Region – The rainfall being experience over this region is an indication of an established rainfall season. However, a slight relaxation, with occasional rains is expected over parts of this region. This is expected to persist until mid-April, when wetter conditions are expected to resume, reaching peak levels around late April to early May. Overall, this region is expected to receive enhanced rainfall during this month.
Karamoja Region – The ongoing rainfall over many parts of this region is an indication of an established rainfall season. A slight relaxation of rainfall, with occasional isolated rains are expected over parts of this region. This is expected to persist up to late April, when rainfall activity will resume, reaching peak around early to mid-May.
On the potential risks during the peak rainfall season, DMS warns of flash flood and urban flooding, landslides and mudslides, transport disruption, waterlogging of crops and animals, and disease outbreaks.
