Traders and residents in Soroti City are raising concern over the growing garbage crisis that continues to threaten public health, disrupt business operations, and block movement in several parts of the city.

The worst affected areas include Soroti Main Market, Old Bus Park, New Bus Park, areas near Soroti Stadium, Agip, Nakatunya, Moruapesur, Idelelei Market, Cemetery Road, and Engwau Road, among others.

Heaps of uncollected garbage continue to pile up across Soroti City, leaving traders, vendors, and residents frustrated over the persistent stench and deteriorating sanitation conditions.

The situation is most alarming at Soroti Main Market, where decomposing waste has accumulated around trading areas, producing a foul smell that has disrupted business activities and affected movement within the market.

Traders dealing in fresh foods such as tomatoes, cabbages, and Irish potatoes say customers are increasingly avoiding the market because of the unbearable odor coming from the rotting garbage.

The stench has also affected traders operating in the nearby Value Addition Market whose shops directly face the garbage skips, while boda boda riders, pedestrians, and customers at the Gate Four stage continue to struggle with the worsening sanitation conditions.

Some roads within the market have also been blocked by garbage heaps, making access difficult for both traders and buyers.

Sam Aliabu, Chairperson of Soroti Main Market, blamed delayed garbage collection by city authorities for the worsening crisis, saying although some waste is generated by market vendors, a large portion comes from nearby residents and traders in Soroti Central Ward.

Moses Ediu, a trader at the Value Addition Market, warned that the garbage poses serious health risks and could trigger disease outbreaks if the situation is not urgently addressed.

Rev. Vicky Elipu from Soroti Diocese also expressed concern, warning that blocked roads and poor sanitation around the market could lead to a cholera outbreak if city authorities fail to act quickly.

She is now demanding clear accountability from city leaders on the measures being taken to restore sanitation in Soroti City.

Meanwhile, Ahamad Mukisa, the Town Clerk for Soroti City East Division, says the city is struggling with a filled-up dumping site in Aminit, making garbage management increasingly difficult.

He added that the city lacks essential equipment such as wheel loaders and bulldozers needed to manage the waste at the dumping site.

He says hiring such equipment is expensive and requires immediate cash payments, which the city is currently unable to sustain.

However, city authorities say plans are underway to engage private garbage collectors and introduce a community garbage collection payment system as part of efforts to address the mounting waste crisis.