The Uganda Atlas

ganda experiences moderate temperatures

throughout the year because of its location astride

the equator and on a raised African plateau. The

highest temperatures of over 30

C are experienced in the

north and northeast of the country while temperatures

as low as 4º C are experienced in the highlands of the

southwest. Temperatures below 0ºC are registered on

the high mountains of Rwenzori and Elgon. The Rwenzori

mountains have a permanent ice cap whose size is

currently reducing, presumably due to global warming

(Uganda Met. Department, 2000; UBOS Statistical

Abstracts, 2006).

The high temperature records mean there is high

potential for water evaporation, which in turn affects

the water balance that influences the productivity of

the environment, including agriculture, the back bone

of Uganda’s economy. Potential evaporation in excess of

rainfall leads to water deficit and vice versa.

Temperature and rainfall are the most important

parameters of climate in Uganda; temperatures are an

important factor influencing rainfall and moisture, and in

general play a major role in the determination of agro-

ecological zones of the country.

Most areas experience high potential for water

evaporation in excess of rainfall. Therefore, sustainable

management of water resources is needed. Water balance

analysis in Uganda indicates that both areas of water

surplus and water deficit occur. Water surplus occurs

only around the high rainfall and low temperature areas

of Mt. Rwenzori and Mt. Elgon. The northern shores of

Lake Victoria show a slight surplus or an almost even

balance. Elsewhere, water deficits of varying degrees

occur, generally increasing from south-west to north-east

(Langlands 1974).

Because of its location around the equator, Uganda

experiences equal hours of day light and night throughout

the year, indicating that the country receives high solar

radiation. However, periods of sunshine vary slightly

during the day due to variations in cloud cover. The

periods of high sunshine in the country are associated

with lower relative humidity and a higher potential

for evaporation. For example, the Lake Victoria basin

experiences relatively low amounts of sunshine due to

the usually cloudy skies while the south western highlands

experience the lowest amounts of sunshine due to the

unusually high cloud cover and prolonged light rains.

Climate

Favourable climate in Manafwa District: Young men carry maize

to a grinding mill at the nearby market

NEMA 2008