Building Python and Data Science Skills for Climate Services in Uganda

From 13th to 17th April 2026, ICPAC and the Department of Meteorological Services (DMS) Uganda held an intensive five-day training workshop on Python Programming and Climate Data Analysis, aimed at building practical data science capacity among meteorological and climate professionals.

From Programming Basics to Climate Data Analysis

The workshop took participants on a structured learning journey — from foundational programming concepts through to advanced machine learning applications. Day one introduced Python basics, Jupyter Notebooks, and GitHub for version control. By day two, participants were writing scripts with variables, control statements, and data structures.

Uncovering Climate Patterns Through Data

Day four focused on climate data visualization and satellite data access. Participants learned to download ERA5 reanalysis data from the Copernicus Climate Data Store and conducted monthly, seasonal, and decadal analyses.

Looking Ahead

Several next steps were agreed upon to sustain the momentum: participants will apply their new skills in daily workflows within one month, ICPAC will provide six months of online mentorship, and a follow-up virtual session will be held within three months to assess progress. Plans are also underway for a Phase 2 advanced training covering climate model evaluation, downscaling techniques, and operational forecasting tools. The workshop represents an important step toward modernizing climate data analysis capabilities in Uganda and the broader East African region, contributing to improved climate monitoring, enhanced forecast products, and better-informed decision-making for climate-sensitive sectors.