science 2 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Scientists Warn of Potential Aftershocks Following Nakasongola Earthquake
A 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck Nakasongola District, with tremors felt across central Uganda. Scientists caution that while the initial quake was light, weaker aftershocks could still pose a risk. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/earthquake-scientists-warn-of-deadly-aftershocks-5481872
A moderate 4.5-magnitude earthquake jolted Nakasongola District in central Uganda on Sunday night, with its tremors reaching far into the west, east, and northern regions. Fortunately, local authorities in the affected areas have not yet reported any significant damage.
According to seismologists at Makerere University’s College of Natural Sciences, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake is classified as a light event. While strong enough to be felt broadly, it typically does not cause major destruction. Stronger quakes, between magnitudes 6.0 and 6.9, are capable of damaging buildings, while major or great earthquakes (7.0 and above) can lead to widespread devastation.
Scientists explained that earthquakes are essentially elastic waves released from stress buildup within the Earth, originating from a point called the hypocenter. In this instance, the hypocenter was located in Nakasongola.
The energy of these seismic waves diminishes with distance, which is why the earthquake was perceptible in distant areas like Kampala. The quake’s occurrence in Nakasongola is particularly noteworthy, as the region lies on a “suture zone” – a geologically ancient and fractured boundary where two landmasses have collided.
Regarding the possibility of aftershocks, scientists have not ruled them out. While any subsequent seismic activity is expected to be of a lower magnitude, potentially around 3.0 to 3.5, they could still pose a threat. Aftershocks, though weaker than the main quake, have the potential to damage structures already weakened by the initial earthquake.