With the prevailing heavy rains around the Ugandan capital Kampala and on lake Victoria, the national metrology team has cautioned travellers of a fierce thunderstorm that has been sighted on the lake pointing to likely dangers while travelling on the lake.
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority has warned those intending to travel to different islands on the lake to postpone their trips by more than an hour as the thunderstorm clears.
Currently, the region is experiencing heavy downpour, which is expected to last several hours before clearing.
“Current radar image shows a line of thunderstorm over the lake, Masaka all the way to Ssembabule. These are likely to last for more than 1hr. Postpone all trips to the lake, especially to Kalangala, Ssese, Bukakata, Kasensero islands,” a weather update by the authority states.
Last week, the authority warned Ugandans of possible strong winds, hailstorms, lightning and thunderstorm as the rainy season sets in across the country.
In a separated warning, the authority has also warned Ugandans against taking shelters under trees and open grounds as they are possible targets for lightning strikes during the heavy downpours. A number of people have been struck by lightning in the recent past across the country.
“Avoid taking shelter under trees and open grounds to limit lightning strikes during thunderstorms as the rains continue,’ the authority states.
In February last year, four mountain gorillas, including a pregnant female, died at Mgahinga National Park in Uganda after being hit by lightning. The three adult females and a male infant were found with “gross lesions” on their bodies indicating electrocution.
In August the same year, ten children were killed by lightning in the Arua City while sheltering in a hut during a storm. The children were playing football when heavy rain forced them to take a break in a nearby grass-thatched structure which was struck by lightning.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on Uganda and surrounding towns, attractions, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda as well as being a dynamic news and comprehensive events driven site with content being added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (whom both measure online influence) we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. We were also awarded for ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2017-2018 Africa Travel Awards.
If you are planning a visit to Uganda you can always reach us on; info@guide2uganda.ug
