Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment through the Department of Meteorological Services (DMS) has revealed that the World Meteorological Organization and the global climate monitoring centres are indicating that there is an increased likelihood of the development of an el nino event during the second half of 2026, with a possible persistence into 2027.El Nino is a natural occurring climate phenomenon characterized by warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Historically, El Nino events have been associated with enhanced rainfall over many parts of East Africa, including Uganda, resulting in increased risks of flooding, landslides. infrastructure damage, disease outbreaks, and disruption of livelihoods. According to the government, while the exact magnitude and impacts of anticipated El Nino events are still being assessed, preliminary climate outlooks suggest a high probability of above-normal rainfall episodes in several parts of the country during the upcoming rainfall season of September to December 2026 (SOND).”Areas that are particularly vulnerable include flooding-prone lowlands, urban centres with inadequate drainage systems, river catchments, wetlands, and mountainous regions susceptible to landslides,” reads the early warning information released on July 31, 2026.Okot Okiki, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water and Environment said ”The Ministry of Water and Environment through DMS is closely monitoring the evolution of this climate phenomenon through continuous analysis of global, regional, and national climate conditions. In collaboration with regional and international climate centres, MWE will continue to provide timely forecasts, advisories, and early warning information to support preparedness and informed decision-making.”He urged ”all stakeholders to ensure appropriate preparedness, planning and take precautionary measures such as strengthening disaster preparedness and response plan; clearing drainage channels and flood pathways, avoiding settlement and cultivation in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, enhancing community awareness and early warning dissemination, preparing contingency measures in all climate sensitive sectors, including agriculture, health, transport, water resources, and infrastructure, and following official weather and climate updates issued by MWe through the Department of Meteorological Services.”He appealed to the media to support public awareness efforts by disseminating accurate and timely weather and climate information to communities across the country.Okot Okidi reassured the public of his ministry’s commitment to provide regular updates regarding the development and potential impacts of the anticipated 2026/2027 El Nino events, in view of the fact that early warning and early action save lives, protect livelihoods, and reduce disaster related losses. The post Gov’t Warns Ugandans of Likely El Nino in Second Half of 2026 appeared first on Business Focus.