South Sudan has raised the alarm over the possibility of severe flooding after Uganda warned of rising water levels in Lake Victoria and increased water flows downstream through the River Nile. Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation James Mawich Makuach announced that South Sudan received official notification from Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment on September 15, 2026. The warning anticipates high water levels in Lake Victoria, affecting several states and administrative areas.
The affected areas include Eastern Equatoria, Warrap, Upper Nile, Jonglei, Central Equatoria, Unity, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states, as well as the Western Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes State, Abyei, Pibor, and Ruweng Administrative Areas. Makuach stated that water levels in Lake Victoria are expected to reach record highs, necessitating increased water releases downstream into the River Nile. This could result in severe riverine flooding in South Sudan, particularly affecting Juba City and surrounding low-lying areas.
Hydrological simulations by Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment indicate that increased water releases could result in severe riverine flooding in South Sudan. Makuach warned that the anticipated flooding could damage property and infrastructure and disrupt livelihoods. The heavy water releases downstream will lead to severe riverine flooding in South Sudan, significantly threatening Juba City and surrounding lowland areas.
Current hydrological measurements along the Nile from Nimule to Renk, as well as from Nasir to Bentiu, show water levels below flood-alert thresholds. However, Makuach cautioned that this will change rapidly as high flows arrive. The country is already experiencing the effects of reduced rainfall between June and September 2026, which has contributed to drought conditions affecting livestock, agriculture, and access to water in several areas.
Makuach called for early preparedness measures, including strengthening early-warning and water-monitoring systems and flood-control infrastructure such as dykes. He revealed that the ministry will present a memo on the anticipated water flows to the National Council of Ministers through the Economic Cluster for consideration and necessary decisions.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will continue monitoring the situation in coordination with Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment and provide timely updates on anticipated water flows downstream. Makuach emphasized the need for preparedness to mitigate the potential impacts of the flooding.
The situation is being closely monitored, and the government is taking steps to prepare for the potential flooding. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take precautions and stay informed about the latest developments.
Key points
- South Sudan received official notification from Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment on September 15, 2026, about the anticipated high water level in Lake Victoria.
- The anticipated flooding could damage property and infrastructure and disrupt livelihoods in several states and administrative areas.
- The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will continue monitoring the situation and provide timely updates on anticipated water flows downstream.
