Uganda Upgrades Severe-Weather Warning Systems Amid More Frequent Climate Shocks

Kampala, Uganda

In light of intensifying climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, Ugandan authorities — in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Finnish Meteorological Institute — have begun rolling out upgraded severe-weather early-warning systems under the regional CREWS East Africa project.

The new system, dubbed “SmartMet Alert,” integrates automated weather warnings across radio, television and mobile channels using the global Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). Officials say this will enhance the country’s capacity to alert communities promptly about floods, storms, droughts, or extreme-weather events.

With Uganda’s recent history of floods, heavy rains and urban drainage challenges — including incidents tied to the ongoing reconstruction of the Nakivubo Channel in Kampala — the upgrade is being viewed as timely. Experts hope the system will reduce damage, save lives, and improve preparedness.

Why it matters:
As climate change brings more frequent extreme-weather events, early-warning systems become critical to protect lives, reduce damage, and enable timely response. This investment marks a concrete step toward greater resilience — particularly for vulnerable urban and rural communities in Uganda.

What to watch for:

Functionality and coverage of the warning system across districts.

Public uptake and trust in weather alerts, and community response to warnings.

Frequency and severity of climate shocks and how well they are mitigated.

Integration of early warning with disaster relief, city planning (e.g. drainage), and climate adaptation policy.