UGANDA METEOROLOGICAL AUTHORITY PROVIDES AUTOMATIC WEATHER DETECTOR TO KASESE

WEATHER STATION KASESE
By Isaac Mumbere
in Kasese—-
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has revealed plans of introducing more Automatic Weather Detector Machines in the Rwenzori Sub-region and the country at large.

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) is responsible for establishing and maintaining weather and climate observing stations network, collection, analysis and production of weather and climate information, (including warnings/advisories) to support social and economic development.

According to the weather body, introducing more machines is aimed at helping in data collection that is used in periodic weather forecasts in particular districts and regions.

Dr. Alex Bob Ogwang, the Acting Executive Director of the Uganda National Meteorological Authority says the Automatic Weather Detector Machines (Stations) record the time, amount of rainfall, winds, temperatures and humidity of the anticipated changes in weather that inform the body of the likely challenges to the population.

Speaking to www.mknewslink.com news website shortly after commissioning a Manual Rain Gauge that has been installed with funding from European Union Humanitarian Aid at Kilembe Mines Hospital in Bulembia Division of Kasese Municipality yesterday afternoon, Dr. Ogwang said they were still looking for funds from development partners to procure more machines and install them in disaster prone areas across the country.

He explained that in the Rwenzori sub-region, they have about 5 Automatic Weather Detector Machines out 211 that they rely on for weather data collection in the whole country.

Dr. Ogwang stressed that much as they have many manual weather stations across the country; they were still finding it harder to collect enough data because such type of machines only record the anticipated rains once in a day at only 9:00am unlike the automated ones that record for 24 hours.

He also revealed that in collaboration with the World Metrological Organization, Uganda National Meteorological Authority is working on another project that is aimed at seeing every Ugandan citizen get access to early weather warning systems by 2027.

The early warning systems according to him would play a key role of helping the citizens get information whenever the weather indicates unusual behaviors.

Mr. Richard Bomera, the Bulembia Division Chairperson, who appreciated government for the timely support, testified that after the installation of the Manual Rain Gauge at Kilembe Mines Hospital, it helped them get the real weather forecast of yesterday’s downpour.

Mr. Bomera, who also doubles as the Chairperson for Nyamwamba Water Catchment Area, however, asked the Central Government to put in place mechanisms that would see the area restored and hence prevent further disasters from affecting the wellbeing of the people