This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
On July 11, 2019, Uganda's national weather agency, the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), began issuing marine forecasts on Lake Victoria to protect lives and property.
The 24-hour weather forecasts target fishing boats, small crafts, and communities in and around the lake, with the aim of providing early warnings to prevent accidents.
According to a memo posted on the agency's Twitter handle, the forecasts will be issued twice a day to save life and property.
The forecasts will be communicated through different fishermen and community groups, and individuals can also subscribe to the forecast by WhatsApp +256 785 570337 or mail.
Three colours - green, orange, and red - have been used to communicate warnings depending on weather forecasts in the area. Green indicates no severe weather is expected, while orange indicates potentially dangerous weather is expected. Red indicates danger and potentially life-threatening weather conditions are expected, urging immediate action to ensure safety.
UNMA's initiative comes as a response to the high number of accidents on Lake Victoria. According to the police annual crime report of 2018, a total of 279 people were rescued on the waters throughout the country, with 67 incidents reported on Lake Victoria alone.
One of the most recent tragic marine accidents occurred in November 2018, when a passenger boat sank off Mutima Beach in Mukono District, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people.
