Residents of Kamutur subcounty gathered on Wednesday 21st May for a Community Sensitisation meeting focussed on the use of wether forecasts as part of a broad effort to strengthen resilience against climate change and improve agricultural planning .

Organised by the District Disaster Office in partnership with the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) supported by local leaders , the meeting aimed at raising awareness about the importance of timely and accurate weather information particularly among farmers who depends heavily on seasonal rains.

The meeting theat was held at Kamutur Primary School grounds brought together farmers , local council leaders , and some women groups.

Speaking at the engagement, Charles Opeke a meteorologist at the Uganda National Meteorological Authority emphasised on the importance of weather forecasting in Agriculture.

"Knowledge on weather is no longer only for the elites , because change in weather patterns affect all of us especially the farmers" he said . Our aim is to ensure that every farmer in Kamutur can access, understand and apply this information in their day to day lives .

Mr. Opeke demonstrated how to interpret seasonal forecasts , daily weather updates and early warning alerts.

Residents expressed their gratitude as they were able to understand the change of weather and how to respond effectively to avoid losses of crops .

" I used to think knowing weather forecasts and weather patterns are for only the urban dwellers" said Akol Rose a groundnut farmer

Kamutur LC3 Chairperson, Ojekede Jackson lauded the initiative and called for regular sensitisation sessions across all the parishes in the subcounty.

He also confirmed that Kamutur being one of the places prone to harsh weather conditions such as floods and prolonged periods of droughts, such teachings are necessary to educate the masses especially farmers to avoid losses of crops.

The community was encouraged to listen to weather broadcasts through radios so as to access weather information inorder to improve food security and build more informed and resilient communities