More rains expected: A breakdown for each region

Following a forecast in February from the Department of Meteorology at the onset of the rains, here is an update on the current situation

The rain season started as was predicted in most parts of the country during the third and fourth weeks of March and in the first week of April for the north. However, there has been heavier rainfall, which has impacted positively and negatively on various sectors.

In agriculture, most farming communities took advantage to plant hence good harvests are expected. In pastoral areas, pastures improved and there was replenishment of water reservoirs. But in some areas, there were floods that claimed lives, displaced people and destroyed property.
Increase in the wet conditions is expected as warm surface temperature across western Indian Ocean is likely to trigger the influx of moisture into Uganda. There is an increased likelihood of more rain than usual. This is a breakdown of the forecast for each region:

Eastern region
Eastern Lake Victoria and South Eastern (Jinja, Kamuli, Iganga, Bugiri, Luuka, Namutumba, Buyende, Kaliro, Busia and Tororo districts)
Steady rains were experienced at by end of March to April punctuated by occasional dry spells. The seasonal rains with occasional heavy storms reaching flood levels are expected to continue in May with the end expected in early June.

Overall, there is a high chance of near normal to above normal rains.
Eastern Central (Pallisa, Budaka, Mbale, Sironko, Manafwa, Bududa, Kapchorwa, Kumi, Kaberamaido, Soroti, Serere, Amolatar, Butaleja, Bulambuli, Kween, Bukedea, and Ngora districts)
There were steady rains experienced by early April but punctuated by occasional dry spells. The seasonal rains are expected to continue until late May up to early June. Near normal to above normal rainfall expected.

North Eastern (Katakwi, Moroto, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Abim, Napak, Amudat, Amuria, and Kaabong districts)
The rains were delayed and steady rains experienced by mid April but punctuated by occasional dry spells. This region received the lowest rainfall totals for both March and April. Intermittent rains are expected to continue until early to mid June. Near normal rainfall expected.

Northern region
Eastern Northern (Lira, Kitgum, Agago, Otuke, Pader, Kole, Dokolo Kaberamaido,Otuke districts)
The rains were as forecasted in April with steady rains and occasional dry spells. They are expected to continue until June. An updated forecast for June to August for this region will be released at end of May. Near normal to above normal rainfall expected.
Central Northern (Gulu, Apac, Pader, Lamwo Nwoya, Amuru, Oyam and Kiryandongo districts)
The rains were as forecasted with steady rains experienced by mid to late April but with dry spells. The rains are expected to continue until June.

An updated forecast for rainfall performance for June to August will be released later. Near normal rainfall is expected.
North Western (Moyo, Yumbe, Adjumani, Arua, Terego, Zombo, Nebbi, Koboko districts)
The rains were as forecasted; coming at the beginning of April but punctuated by occasional dry spells. They are expected to continue until June. An updated forecast to be released later. There is a high chance of near normal rainfall.

Western region
Western Central (Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, Masindi, Buliisa, Hoima and Kibaale districts)
Steady rains were established by end of March. They were above normal occasionally experiencing heavy storms that reached flooding levels especially in the lowlands below the Rwenzori Mountains. The seasonal rains are expected to continue until June. Near normal to above normal rainfall expecetd.

South Western (Kisoro, Kabale, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Mbarara, Kiruhura, Isingiro, Ibanda, Bushenyi, Buhweju, Mitooma, Sheema, Rubirizi and Kasese districts)
Steady seasonal rains were established by mid of April reaching peak by end of the month.

Over the entire region received above normal rains with occasional heavy storms that reached flooding levels especially in Bushenyi, Mitooma, Buhweju and Kasese. The rains are expected to continue to end of May. Near normal to above normal rainfall expected.

L. Victoria Basin & Central region
Central and Western Lake Victoria Basin: (Kalangala, Kampala, Wakiso, Eastern Masaka, Lwengo, Mpigi, Butambala, Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, Gomba, and Mityana districts)
This region experienced early seasonal onset and steady rains had established by mid March. Peak rains were experienced by end of March to early April, while late April was punctuated by dry spells.
The seasonal rains with occasional heavy storms reaching flood levels are expected to end of May with cessation in early June. There are high chances of near normal rainfall to above normal rainfall.

Western Central (Nakasongola, Luwero, Kyankwanzi, Nakaseke Kiboga, Mubende, Sembabule, Western Masaka, Lyantonde, and Rakai districts)
This region experienced onset of seasonal rainfall by mid March and steady rains were established by early April. Peak rains were experienced by mid to late April, with dry spells. The rains are expected to continue until end of May up to early June. There are high chances of near normal rainfall over several parts of this region.

Eastern Central (Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga, Buvuma districts)
This region experienced onset of seasonal rainfall by mid March and steady rains were established by early April peaking by mid April. There were occasional dry spells during the period. The rains are expected to continue until end of Mayto early June. Near normal to above normal rainfall expected.