Temporal variations in rainfall patterns in Kilembe, Uganda

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigated rainfall variabilities in Kilembe. Secondary (monthly rainfall) data for the study were obtained from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority in Kampala, Uganda, for the period 1986–2016. To determine the temporal variation of rainfall, a Mann–Kendall method and Sen's slope estimator test were used. The results showed that March, April, May, October, and November represented the smallest coefficient of variation indicating modest variability of rainfall in these months, whereas June and July had the largest coefficient of variation. The month of July recorded an overall lowest average rainfall and a decreasing trend in rainfall. The study further revealed a historical general upward trend in rainfall between 1986 and 2016 in Kilembe. The trend in the monthly and annual rainfall is partly attributed to the Intertropical Convergence Zone, influx of moisture from Congo Forest, and climate change. The area recorded also two peaks of rainfall in the year, one in April and another in September, revealing a bimodal pattern of rainfall. The findings indicate that the government should adopt policy measures in the form of an adaptive strategy in order to save the people in the impacted areas.