OCHA warns that Uganda not yet ready for El Nino

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reports that Uganda’s preparations for the expected strengthening of El Niño are still unfinished, with the country’s contingency plan under finalisation as the October–December rainy season approaches. The warning comes from a September 2026 humanitarian snapshot by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ regional office for Eastern and Southern Africa (OCHA ROSEA).

According to the report, Uganda faces a heightened risk of flooding and landslides, especially around Lake Victoria and the Mount Elgon area. OCHA says there is a high chance of above-average rainfall, and it notes that Uganda’s contingency planning includes an estimated US$22.5 million requirement, alongside US$7.1 million in pre-arranged financing for anticipatory flood action. The report says El Niño conditions began in June and are expected to strengthen into a potentially very strong event, with a possible further boost from a positive Indian Ocean Dipole.

The article says OCHA is urging governments and humanitarian agencies to move quickly on early warning systems, planning and pre-positioning supplies. It warns that heavy rains could damage crops, livestock, roads and health services, while worsening food insecurity, malnutrition and displacement. The report also flags concern about waterborne and vector-borne disease outbreaks, including cholera, which had already surpassed 22,900 cases across the region in the third quarter before the rains intensified.

For context, the piece says previous El Niño episodes in 2015–2016 and 2023–2024 caused major flooding and displacement across Eastern Africa. The broader message is that countries in the region, including Uganda, may need to prepare for severe rainfall impacts even as some areas elsewhere face drier conditions.