There was a time when the rainy season was truly rainy, and the dry season was distinctly dry. These periods were so well-defined, to the point that we have months like ‘Gatonya’—meaning it rains—which reflect our long-standing knowledge of when to plant, when it would rain, and when the dry season would arrive for harvesting or drying produce.
For any Ugandan, however, this pattern has changed over the years. Months that were previously wet are scorching in recent years, while the dry ones are now experiencing heavy rainfall. Although this might suggest a simple rescheduling of farming activities, Uganda’s climate on the ground is a little more complex—the changes are not consistent.
For the Ugandan farmer, this unpredictable weather has transformed from being a reliable calendar into a risky gamble. Rain arrives when it’s least expected, and droughts stretch far beyond what the crops can handle. The impact on agriculture is profound and far-reaching, disrupting planting cycles, food security, and income generation.
The Rainy Seasons Have Changed – New Vision Report
Unpredictable Rainfall and Crop Failure
Traditionally, Uganda experienced two major rainy seasons: March to June and October to December. Farmers depended on these predictable rains to grow crops like maize, beans, and coffee, ensuring a consistent yield. Over the past few decades, however, rainfall patterns have become erratic. Sometimes, the rains arrive too early and fade before crops fully develop, while at other times, they come late, triggering floods that wash away young plants.
In regions like Nakasongola, prolonged dry spells have led to an increase in cassava diseases, like cassava brown streak virus. In the past, cassava thrived with minimal intervention, but now, fluctuating weather conditions have increased its vulnerability. Similar struggles are evident in maize and banana plantations, where farmers report poor yields due to sudden weather shifts. – Shifting weather patterns impact cassava yields, The Monitor
Rising Temperatures and Their Effects
Beyond the irregular rainfall, temperatures across Uganda are rising, and the ‘Kasana’ is frying us, quite literally. The Karamoja region, for instance, has recorded steadily increasing monthly temperatures over the past 35 years. The effects of this are brutal: soil dries up faster, reducing moisture retention, while livestock struggle with heat stress. Higher temperatures also accelerate evaporation rates, forcing greater reliance on irrigation—a costly option for most small-scale farmers.
Heat waves have also been linked to a decline in coffee production. Coffee, one of Uganda’s largest exports, thrives in moderate temperatures. With the rising heat, lower-altitude coffee farms are experiencing declining yields and increased pest infestations. This threatens not only local farmers’ incomes but also Uganda’s position as a leading coffee producer in Africa.
And it’s not just the crops and livestock that are affected. A few months ago, many Ugandans suffered heat-related illnesses like headaches, while just recently, we found ourselves wading through knee-deep floodwaters that severed routes in Kampala. To put it simply, the weather has become far from favourable.
Flooding and Soil Erosion
While some areas suffer from excessive heat, others are drowning—literally. Heavy and unpredictable downpours have led to frequent flooding, especially in Eastern Uganda. Districts like Bulambuli and Bududa have been hit by deadly landslides, washing away crops, homes, and even lives. Flooding also accelerates soil erosion, stripping the land of its fertility. Farmers who once relied on rich, loamy soils now struggle to grow crops on depleted lands. The loss of topsoil reduces productivity, and re-fertilising the land is an expense that many cannot afford.
Change in Farming Practices
Faced with these challenges, Ugandan farmers are adapting in different ways:
Crop Diversification – Many farmers are moving away from traditional crops like maize, which are more vulnerable to climate shocks, and opting for drought-resistant varieties such as millet, sorghum, and upland rice. Farmers specialising in the production of these crops, like the aforementioned maize, are resorting to genetically improved varieties designed to be more resistant to the elements and the effects of Uganda’s climate crisis.
Agroforestry and Soil Conservation – Some farmers have turned to agroforestry, planting trees alongside crops to improve soil moisture retention and reduce erosion. Others are experimenting with cover crops like Sunn hemp to protect the soil.
Irrigation and Water Harvesting – In water-scarce regions, farmers are digging small dams and installing drip irrigation systems to sustain their crops during unexpected dry spells. Once a luxury reserved for large-scale farmers aiming to cultivate year-round, irrigation has now become a necessity due to unpredictable weather. Without some form of irrigation system, farming feels more like a gamble for every farmer.
Climate-Smart Agriculture – Some Ugandan farmers are already adopting modern farming techniques, such as greenhouse farming, hydroponics, and vertical farming, to lessen their dependence on unpredictable natural weather conditions.
Improved Weather Forecasting – With unpredictable weather, access to real-time climate information has become crucial. However, many farmers, particularly in rural areas, still lack access to reliable weather forecasts. Expanding climate information services could help farmers make better-informed decisions about planting and harvesting times.
If there’s one point we can all agree on, it’s that Uganda’s climate is no longer what it once was; the changes are undeniable. And while Ugandan farmers are resilient, partly because for many, agriculture is the source of income and food, resilience alone isn’t enough. The unpredictability of the seasons demands a new approach to agriculture—one that embraces innovation, sustainability, and preparedness. Without it, we risk losing not only our predictable seasons but also our ability to feed the nation – Ugandan-grown foods disappear from market stalls – Daily Monitor
The question now is not whether the weather will continue to change, but rather, how ready we are to change with it – How Ugandan farmers are adapting to climate change
