As a strategic initiative aimed at improving weather data collection and analysis in Southwestern Uganda, MUST installed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) in the districts of Rubanda, Rubirizi, and Isingiro from June 10th – 21st 2024.
This was funded by the project titled “University as Facilitator for Community Based Sustainable Solutions to Demographic Challenges in South Western Uganda (MUST IUC – UCoBS)”. This activity was implemented by sub – project 2 of the MUST IUC – UCoBS which focuses on improving climate smart agriculture mechanisms and land management practices to cope with climatic variability and declining soil fertility that have led to reduced food production.
The installation team included Dr. John Sekajugo and Mr. David Mubiru team members of sub-project 2, Mr. Zaake Joseph a technician from Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), Mr. Barigye Didas the District Agricultural Officer Rubirizi, Mr. Tumwesigye Patrick the District Agricultural officer Isingiro, Mr. Kahangi Benon the Data Protection Officer Rubanda and Mr. Bukenya Hakim the project assistant of sub – project 2.
In Rubanda District, one AWS was installed at Rubanda District Local Government (DLG) and ARGs installed in Muko Sub county (SC), Bubaare Town council and Hamurwa Sub county. In Isingiro District, one AWS was installed at Isingiro Town Council (TC) and ARGs installed in Rugaga TC, Ruhiira TC, and Kaberebere TC while in Rubirizi District, one AWS installed at Kyabakara SC and Rain gauges installed in Kirugu SC and Kichwamba SC.
In conclusion, the installation of AWS and rain gauges in Rubanda, Rubirizi, and Isingiro districts was a significant success. The data collected from these stations will not only be utilised by students for research and educational purposes, but will assist the districts in making informed decisions regarding agricultural practices, disaster management, and infrastructure development as well as contributing to national efforts in weather monitoring and forecasting, enhancing overall meteorological capabilities. This initiative has been highly appreciated by the districts and UNMA, who have expressed their gratitude for the collaborative effort and the potential benefits of this project.
PHOTOS:
Fig 1: Kyabakara Subcounty LC3 chairperson cutting down a tree which would otherwise block the weather station
