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By Ben Musanje
Minister for Water and Environment Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire has directed the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) to prepare and submit a comprehensive budget aimed at equipping the agency with modern weather forecasting tools, saying government is ready to support efforts to strengthen forecasting services across the country.
Speaking during his inaugural address at the Ministry of Water and Environment headquarters in Luzira after taking over from former minister Sam Cheptoris, Otafiire said he had been informed that the authority faces challenges in acquiring modern equipment necessary for accurate weather prediction.
The minister said reliable meteorological services are critical for agriculture, water resource management, disaster preparedness and environmental planning, adding that the ministry would work with the authority to address the existing gaps.
Otafiire noted that weather forecasts have at times failed to match actual conditions, saying he intends to closely monitor the authority’s predictions and expects improvements in the accuracy of forecasting services.
He revealed that officials had informed him about equipment shortages affecting the authority’s operations and directed them to prepare a detailed budget indicating the resources required to modernize forecasting systems.
According to the minister, the ministry will review the proposed budget and work with relevant government institutions to secure funding for modern meteorological equipment.
He observed that advances in technology should enable the authority to move away from outdated methods and embrace modern forecasting systems capable of providing more reliable weather information to the public.
Otafiire said it would be unfair to hold meteorological officers fully accountable for forecasting shortcomings if they lacked the equipment required to perform their duties effectively. He stressed that government must first ensure the agency has access to the necessary tools before demanding higher levels of performance and accountability.
The minister said strengthening meteorological services would not only improve weather forecasting but would also support planning in key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture, which remains heavily dependent on weather conditions.
He urged officials to openly communicate challenges affecting their work instead of allowing problems to persist without being brought to the attention of ministry leadership.
Otafiire said the ministry intends to engage departments and agencies under its supervision to understand their operational needs and identify areas where support is required.
His directive comes as the Ministry of Water and Environment embarks on a renewed drive to improve performance, service delivery and accountability across its institutions.
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority is responsible for monitoring weather patterns, issuing forecasts and providing climate information used by government agencies, farmers, aviation operators and the general public.
The minister’s intervention signals a commitment to strengthening the authority’s technical capacity as part of broader efforts to improve environmental management and climate resilience in Uganda. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
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