By Sarah Natoolo
Uganda is strengthening its focus on anticipatory action to reduce the risks associated with extreme weather and climate conditions, as the country seeks to improve preparedness for potential climate shocks linked to El Niño and other weather-related hazards.
The approach aims to shift the country from responding to disasters after they occur to taking early, coordinated measures based on weather forecasts, climate information and risk assessments.
Such measures can help protect lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and the environment while reducing the economic costs associated with floods, Strong winds , lightning, droughts and other climate-related emergencies.
According to the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr Alfred Okot Okidi, anticipatory action is an important approach to strengthening Uganda’s resilience to the increasing risks posed by climate variability and extreme weather events.
Dr Okot Okidi emphasises the importance of using available climate information to inform planning and decision-making, enabling communities and institutions to prepare for potential disasters before their impacts become severe.
Under this approach, early warnings should translate into timely action, including community awareness campaigns, preparedness planning, protection of vulnerable infrastructure and measures to safeguard agricultural production and water resources.
According to Dr Okot Okidi, Effective coordination is key among government institutions, local authorities, humanitarian organisations and communities.
He stressed that, it is also essential to ensure that warnings lead to practical interventions.
El Niño, a climate phenomenon associated with changes in ocean temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, can influence rainfall patterns across East Africa. Depending on the season and prevailing climate conditions, these changes may increase the risk of heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and disruptions to essential services. Other places and locations may experience different rainfall patterns, including dry spells.
Dr Okot Okidi noted that Uganda, these risks underscore the importance of strengthening early-warning systems and ensuring that climate information reaches the people and institutions that need it most.
He further singled out the department of meteorological services , that will continue to guide Farmers, urban communities, transport authorities and disaster-management agencies, who can all benefit from timely forecasts and clear guidance on appropriate preparedness measures.
Anticipatory action also requires investment in resilient infrastructure, sustainable land and water management, and community-level disaster preparedness. In flood-prone areas, this may involve clearing drainage channels, identifying safe evacuation routes and protecting critical facilities.
He said, In agriculture, timely advisories can help farmers make informed decisions about planting, water management and the protection of crops and livestock.
The Ministry of Water and Environment has a central role in promoting the use of climate information, strengthening water-resource management and supporting climate resilience across sectors.
He said , Collaboration with relevant government agencies and development partners will remain important in ensuring that preparedness efforts are coordinated and reach vulnerable populations.
As Uganda continues to confront climate-related uncertainties, the emphasis on anticipatory action highlights the need to treat early warning as an opportunity for early intervention rather than simply a notice of impending danger.
Dr Okidi said the broader priority is to strengthen preparedness, improve coordination and ensure that climate risks are considered in development planning. By acting before extreme weather impacts communities, Uganda can reduce avoidable losses and build greater resilience to future climate shocks.
