news 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Soroti Central Market Overrun by Rotting Waste Amid Collection Breakdown
Uncollected garbage has piled up at Soroti Central Market for over three days, blocking access and sparking health worries due to a faulty landfill compactor. Officials promise collections will restart soon after repairs, while calling for better waste habits among residents. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/rotting-garbage-chokes-soroti-market-as-collection-stalls-5448572
Soroti Central Market is grappling with massive garbage piles and a foul odor that have disrupted operations and threatened public health. The buildup, lasting more than three days, has particularly choked Gate Four, where overflowing skips block paths for vendors, shoppers, and vehicles.
City authorities blame a broken landfill compactor for the halt in collections. Soroti City Deputy Town Clerk Joseph Mwesigwa confirmed the machine is now fixed and operations will resume by Wednesday, noting its role in compressing waste at disposal sites.
Environment Officer Francis Ediau revealed the city produces 165 tonnes of waste daily but manages only 20.7 tonnes. Of this, 74 percent is organic matter causing the stench and fly infestations, while 22 percent consists of plastics like polythene bags and bottles. He encouraged residents to compost organic waste into manure to ease landfill strain and boost farming.
Market administrator Stella Aarakit reported accumulation since Saturday, with the last pickup on Friday to Aminit landfill. Health inspector Janet Arionget highlighted nighttime dumping by locals as a key issue, prompting arrests and mandates to use licensed collectors.
Despite 2023 contracts with private firms for waste management, enforcement and infrastructure gaps persist.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)