Ugandans are feeling the heat—literally. With temperatures soaring above 35°C in major cities, the government has issued a survival guide to help citizens cope with the ongoing heatwave.
The advice? Drink plenty of water, shower frequently, and avoid strenuous activities.
But for fasting Muslims, enduring the scorching heat without water adds an extra layer of challenge.
State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Anywar, addressed Parliament, attributing the heatwave to a mix of factors: the dry season, a Tropical Cyclone in the Indian Ocean, the sun’s position, and the rapid urbanization creating concrete jungles.
“Stay hydrated, avoid intense physical activity, seek shade, and take regular showers to stay safe,” Anywar advised, emphasizing the importance of these measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.
What’s Causing the Heatwave?
The heatwave, which began in late February 2025, is expected to last until mid-March.
Cities like Kampala, Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, and Jinja are experiencing temperatures between 27°C and 37°C—far above the usual March averages of 19°C to 28°C.
Lawrence Songa, chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Climate Change, warned that the heatwave is just the beginning.
“The heat is evaporating water, and when the rains return, they’ll bring flooding,” he said, urging Ugandans to prepare for extreme weather patterns.
Songa also highlighted the role of traffic congestion in exacerbating the heat.
“Our jam-packed roads aren’t just frustrating—they’re generating heat and pollution. We need a resilient transport system to address this,” he added.
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How to Beat the Heat
The government’s survival tips are straightforward but crucial:
- Drink water constantly: Staying hydrated is key to avoiding heat exhaustion.
- Limit physical activity: Avoid strenuous exercises, especially during peak heat hours.
- Seek shade: Stay indoors or under cover during the hottest parts of the day.
- Shower frequently: Cool off with regular showers to lower body temperature.
For fasting Muslims, the heatwave poses a unique challenge. Without the ability to drink water during daylight hours, staying cool and hydrated becomes even more critical.
Cities Feeling the Burn
The heatwave has hit urban areas the hardest. Here’s a snapshot of the temperatures:
- Kampala and Entebbe: Daytime highs around 29°C
- Mbale and Masaka: Peaking at 37°C
- Mbarara, Gulu, and Jinja: Ranging between 30°C and 35°C
Meteorologists predict that the heatwave will persist, with even hotter days expected in the coming weeks.
Related: Uganda Battles Extreme Heat as Meteorologists Warn of Prolonged Heatwave
What’s Next?
While the heatwave is a immediate concern, the long-term outlook is equally worrying. Climate change is driving more frequent and intense weather extremes, from heatwaves to floods.
Songa’s warning about future flooding underscores the need for proactive measures to build resilience.
In the meantime, Ugandans are advised to follow the government’s guidelines to stay safe. And when the rains finally arrive, it might be wise to keep a canoe handy—just in case.
