The functions of the Authority are (a) to establish and maintain systems for the rapid exchange of meteorological and related information;
(b)
to establish networks of stations for taking, recording and transmitting meteorological observations as well as hydrological and other geophysical observations related to meteorology;
(c)
to establish and maintain an effective national weather forecasting centre for short, medium, and long term applications using state-of-the-art technology and contemporary best practices;
(d)
to apply meteorology to aviation, marine transport, water resources management, agriculture, health, national defence and security, disaster preparedness, and other developmental activities;
(e)
to research and train in meteorology and in related fields and to coordinate national, regional, and international aspects of the research and training;
(f)
to establish a framework under which aeronautical meteorological services are paid for at commercial rates by end users at a rate to be determined by Regulations under this Act and to ensure that the framework is updated periodically;
(g)
to establish and maintain a total quality management system in its operations while providing the necessary data essential for environmental impact assessment;
(h)
to monitor the state of the atmosphere in Uganda, at different time and spatial scales, analyze, document and disseminate weather, climate and climate trends and their implications on socio- economic development;
(i)
to build capacity at local government levels for the implementation of the climate and weather programmes through Uganda National Meteorological Authority regional offices;
(j)
to promote the use of weather and climate services in development planning, build strategic partnership with national and international governments, agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, cultural and other institutions at various levels in the management of climate and weather programmes;
(k)
to mobilise resources to support climate and weather programmes and activities;
(l)
to participate in the review, formulation, and implementation of weather and climate policies and programmes;
(m)
to interprete, review and recommend appropriate changes in the climate and weather policies as well as international instruments;
(n)
to promote, guide and coordinate the implementation of policies and programmes;
(o)
to promote collaboration and strategic partnership with national and international governments, agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, cultural and other institutions at various levels in the management of climate and weather programmes and projects;
(p)
to manage and exercise all authority over the National Climate Data Bank and Archive;
(q)
to set and implement national standards in observations of weather and climate whose data is to be forwarded to the National Data Bank;
(r)
to supervise any other weather and climate observers whose data is to go into National Data Bank;
(s)
to assist government to meet its international obligations in conventions and other international agreements related to weather, climate and climate change;
(t)
to prepare long-term development plans, annual programmes and financial estimates of the Authority, including any aid, grants or loans by international organizations;
(u)
to observe, record and transmit meteorological observations as well as hydrological and other geophysical observations related to meteorology and for that purpose establish networks of stations; and
(v)
such other matters affecting meteorology as the Minister may from time to time refer to the Authority.
