agriculture 3 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Farmers Face Mixed Fortunes as Early Rains Yield Results Amidst Looming Dry Spell
While some Ugandan farmers have celebrated good harvests from the initial rainy season, others are grappling with crop damage from excess rain or insufficient moisture, with a predicted dry spell on the horizon. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/first-rains-facilitate-good-yields-but-dry-spells-await-5483108
Farmers across Uganda are experiencing a diverse range of outcomes from the recent rainy season. In the Teso sub-region, early plantings of legumes and grains have led to successful harvests, with produce like green grams already hitting the market. However, reports from districts like Kumi and Ngora indicate challenges such as leaf blight affecting groundnut yields.
Conversely, in areas like Kamuli and Buyende, May’s heavy rains disrupted the crucial fruiting and maturing stages of crops, leading to flooded rice paddies and storm damage. Agriculture officers in these regions are advocating for irrigation as a more reliable alternative to rain-fed farming, citing crop rot and significant losses.
In Jinja District, while unstable rainfall patterns were noted, the overall sufficient rainfall has fostered optimism for good yields, especially for farmers who adhered to proper agronomic practices and planted early. The island district of Kalangala presents a mixed picture, with some reporting improved harvests while sweet potato growers suffered from prolonged heavy rains that negatively impacted tuber development.
Looking ahead, weather predictions indicate a drier-than-normal June-August season across much of Uganda. The Ministry of Water and Environment warns of potential water shortages and crop stress, urging a transition towards drought-tolerant crops and investments in irrigation and water storage systems. This forecast is partly attributed to changing weather patterns influenced by global climate phenomena.
Officials advise farmers to prepare for these dry conditions by conserving water and adopting sustainable practices. The meteorological outlook suggests that while northern and eastern regions might experience near-normal to below-normal rainfall, central and western areas are expected to be significantly drier. Localized weather patterns will continue to influence specific regional outcomes.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)