UGANDA

Famine in Uganda may worsen Meteorologists have warned that the current drought in Uganda is likely to worsen in the coming months and called on the government to formulate a strategy to cushion the country against its effects. Principal meteorologist Abushen Wamubi Majugu said: "The drought will become severe. What is required now is information on how to mitigate it." The department has sent notices to all government offices alerting them of an escalation in natural calamities.

With cereal production already affected in many districts, any worsening of weather conditions is likely to have grave consequences on the country's food security. A ministry official said the impact of the current drought has been severe mainly because policymakers do not take their warnings seriously. "Despite the fact that these forecasts are not 100 per cent accurate, many countries use them for planned mitigation. Uganda is yet to take seriously these seasonal forecasts," said the official. In southwestern Uganda, for example, the first rainy season virtually failed and drought conditions are already being experienced in many areas. In Luwero district, elephants in search of water and food have gone on a rampage.