Uganda Boosts Early Warning Capabilities with SmartMet Alert System
Uganda is set to bolster its early warning capabilities with the implementation of the SmartMet Alert system. This move, supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), will see Uganda join the global community of Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) users, expanding the reach and impact of its weather alerts.
The system, configured and localized by Uganda's Department of Meteorological Services (DMS) and FMI experts, will automate weather warning generation, enhancing timeliness and accuracy. It integrates the CAP, a global standard for public warning messages. A customized warning framework has been developed, defining hazard types, district coverage, warning levels, and public advisories tailored to Uganda's needs.
The SmartMet Alert system is partly open-source and license-free, making it adaptable and cost-effective. The initiative was launched during the Eastern Africa Severe Weather Forecasting Programme (SWFP) regional workshop in Entebbe from 27 May to 6 June 2025. FMI experts visited Uganda in June 2025 to initiate the system's implementation, with installation and staff training scheduled for early 2026.
Once operational, the SmartMet Alert system will enhance Uganda's early warning capacity, benefiting both the public and the country's disaster response efforts. This achievement is a testament to international cooperation in improving weather forecasting and warning systems.
