By: Melanie Aanyu

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has forecast “enhanced” rains in various places this month, and has warned Ugandans to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.

According to UNMA, the areas predicted to receive increased precipitation are the South West, Mid Western, West Nile, and certain sections of the northern region.

Keith Muhakanizi, the permanent secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, has now asked Ugandans who have lived in environmentally sensitive places to leave as soon as possible so that they do not become victims of what has been forecasted.

The permanent secretary also encouraged municipal and city authorities to intensify efforts to ensure proper solid waste management and disposal in order to reduce urban flooding risks.

Ugandans in the most vulnerable locations have also been urged to watch for any unusual sounds that could indicate shifting debris, like as trees breaking or boulders collapsing.

The warning comes just a few days after new landslides struck Kasese last Wednesday, killing at least 16 people.