[Document title]

Emma
[Company name] [Company address]
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. LOCATION & SIZE...................................................................................................................1
2. Description of Soroti District.......................................................................................................2
3. ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES.........................................................................................................2
Tourist Attractions...........................................................................................................................2
History of Soroti District.................................................................................................................3
4. ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................................................3
Key Geographical Information....................................................................................................3
Climate.........................................................................................................................................3
Rainfall.........................................................................................................................................4
Temperature, Humidity, Wind and Evapo-Transpiration............................................................4
Geology and Soils........................................................................................................................4
Vegetation....................................................................................................................................4
5. THE RESIDENTS.......................................................................................................................7
Population & Culture.......................................................................................................................7
Population........................................................................................................................................7
Structure of Households...............................................................................................................8
Ethnic Composition.........................................................................................................................8
Standard of living............................................................................................................................8
Housing........................................................................................................................................8
Average household income..........................................................................................................9
Ownership of durable commodities.............................................................................................9
According to 2014 Census the usage of ICT was rampant......................................................9
6 EMPLOYMENT.........................................................................................................................10
Types of employment.................................................................................................................10
Places of Employment...............................................................................................................11
Gender employment...................................................................................................................11
7. EDUCATION............................................................................................................................11
8 HEALTH....................................................................................................................................12
Incidence of traffic accidents.....................................................................................................12
Incidence of malnutrition...........................................................................................................13
 Special population groups..........................................................................................................13
Social deviance..........................................................................................................................13
VALUES, TRADITIONS, AND PERCEPTIONS.......................................................................14
Values............................................................................................................................................14
Traditions.......................................................................................................................................14
Perceptions.....................................................................................................................................14
Marriage.................................................................................................................................14
Children..................................................................................................................................15
Youth......................................................................................................................................15
Adults.....................................................................................................................................16
Elderly....................................................................................................................................16
Environmental degradation........................................................................................................17
Limited access to clean Water and Sanitation...........................................................................17
Resource Networks........................................................................................................................18
Customary and informal Networks................................................................................................18
Types of assistance.....................................................................................................................18
Offering assistance.....................................................................................................................18
Customary organizations and associations................................................................................18
Formal Organizations.................................................................................................................19
Characteristics and structure......................................................................................................19
Power Structure..........................................................................................................................19
Policy making organ..................................................................................................................20
 COMMUNITY PROFILE OF SOROTI DISTRICT

1. LOCATION & SIZE

Soroti district is located in Eastern Uganda. It was originally part of the mother Teso district
covering Kumi, Katakwi. Kaberamaido, Amuria, Bukedea, Ngora, Serere and Soroti. The
district covers approximately a total land area of 2,662.5 km 2 of which 2,256.5 km2 is land and
406 km2 is water. Land is the principle natural resource the district is endowed with and forms
the basis for development, through agricultural production. Land resource provides opportunities
for agricultural expansion for both food security and generation of house hold income, with
approximately 80% of the district’s population directly dependent on agriculture for survival and
Physically the district lies approximately on latitudes 1 o 33I and 2o 23I North of the equator,
30o 01I and 34o 18I degrees East of the Prime Meridian and is over 2500 feet above with dotted
Lake Kyoga rocks throughout most of it. Soroti borders Serere, to the South, Ngora to the East,
Katakwi to the North East, Amuria to the North, Lake Kyoga and Kaberamaido in the west.

Map of Soroti District

2. Description of Soroti District.

Soroti district, located in eastern Uganda, is known for its bustling city center and vibrant
administrative block. As I walked around the community at various times of the day and week, I
noticed a distinct blend of urban and rural lifestyles, with people engaged in different activities
reflective of their livelihoods and cultural backgrounds.

In the city center, especially during weekdays, l encountered a flurry of activity as people go
about their daily routines. Market stalls line the streets and of recent the town council working
hand in hand with Uganda Police were cleaning the town chasing the Street vendors, taxis and
Special hire Vehicles that parked along the roadsides. Soroti Main market is offering a colorful
array of fresh produce, clothing, and household goods. Vendors enthusiastically call out to
passersby, inviting them to inspect their wares. Motorcycles, locally known as "boda bodas,"
weave through the crowded streets, transporting passengers and goods to their destinations. The
air is filled with the sounds of bargaining, laughter, and the occasional honking of vehicles.
During the evenings and weekends, the pace of life in Soroti district shifts slightly. Families
gather in local eateries and restaurants to enjoy meals together and the most common places
include; SunCity Amuzement Park, Opuyo Child Development Center, Timisha hotel, Soroti
hotel and Akello Annex Hotels in Senior Quarters and Otikyopi, while young people congregate
in public spaces like parks or entertainment venues like De-Chillaz, Thunders,Labrand and
Strikers hotels. Traditional music and dance performances occasionally take place, providing a
glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

3. ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Agriculture with main emphasis on food crops such as millet, cassava, cow Pease, potatoes,
beans, Simsim and sunflower. Cash crops cotton. Vegetables such as Tomatoes, Onions and
cabbage.

Tourist Attractions

Soroti Rock, a volcanic plug resembling the Tororo Rock, The town’s architecture reflects its
multi-cultural history. Central Soroti has a market place where the ingenuity of the local
populace at refashioning scrap metal to make cooking pots and other house hold items from the
remains of cars and metal drum is amazing.

History of Soroti District

The growth of Soroti dates as far back as 1904 when the then District Commissioner of Mbale
sent Kakungulu to open up some administrative post in Serere, Gweri and Soroti areas. Part of
Kakungulu’s team camped near the rock at Soroti chosen for its strategic location on defence and
availability of water from the nearby streams. Under the organised and able rule of Kakungulu’s
men, local inhabitants were forced to clear the forest and within a few years a large area had
been cleared and considerable amount of settlement had taken place.
Thatched houses for administrative purposes of Soroti County were put up at the site, where the
present Lukiiko Hall stands and dispensary also in temporary materials stood at the site of the
present hospital. Later on with the coming of Asian traders four small shops in semi-permanent
materials were put up in Soroti. These traders brought in clothes, salt, sugar, hoes, beads etc.
Trading was transacted through bartering (between manufactured goods and cotton, bids, skins,
beans, chicken and groundnuts).
Soroti District's history can be traced back to ancient times when it was inhabited by various
indigenous tribes, including the Iteso and Kumam people. These communities engaged in
agriculture, trade which was mainly barter trade, and traditional cultural practices, establishing
social structures and norms that continue to shape the fabric of the district today.

4. ENVIRONMENT.

Key Geographical Information

Climate

The climate of the district is modified by the large swamp area surrounding it. The rainy season
is March to November, with a marked minimum in June, and marked peaks in April to May and
August to October. December and January are the driest months. Of recent rainfall has been
unreliable and unpredictable hence affecting the activities of people e.g agriculture, livestock
rearing etc.

Rainfall

Rainfall normally ranges from 1000mm to 1500mm coming in two seasons; March–July and
September – November. There is normally a short dry spell between the two rain seasons during
mid June – mid July. The long dry season sets in during late November through to early March.
The distribution is such that areas bordering Northeast experience earlier dry seasons. This is
also a common occurrence at the lakeshore areas, which sometimes experience very sharp spells
of drought.
Temperature, Humidity, Wind and Evapo-Transpiration
Soroti district generally records a mean annual maximum temperature of around 31.3 o C and a
mean minimum of around 18oC. Its extreme highest temperatures are in the month of February
when it records approximately 35 oC. The highest ever recorded was in February 1949 where
temperatures reached 40oC.
Geology and Soils
Most of the areas in Soroti district are underlain by rocks of the basement complex Precambrian
age that include granites, mignalites, gneiss, schists and quartzites.

Vegetation
Soroti has vegetation, which can best be described as wooded savannah, grass savanah, forests
and riparian vegetation. The wooded savanna mainly comprises moist Acacia savanna associated
with hyparrhenia spp and combretum savanna associated with hyparrhenia spp.
The riparian category comprises certain scattered tree grasslands associated with Setaria
incrassate Hyparrheria rufa, Accacia sayel Accacia fistula, Balanities aegyptica and Terminalia
spp. Soroti also has expansive wetlands, which cover vast areas including Awoja bordering
Ngora District in Gweri Sub-county in Soroti County. Further to the Northeast is a vegetation
characteristic of semi arid type with thorny shrubs.
In Soroti District, the environment plays a critical role in shaping the daily lives of its residents
and influencing community dynamics. Several key environmental factors contribute to the
overall quality of life and well-being of the population:
Availability of basic utilities: Access to essential utilities such as running water, electricity, and
fuel varies across different parts of the district. While urban areas have relatively reliable access
to these utilities, rural communities often face challenges with inconsistent water supply and
limited access to electricity. Efforts to improve infrastructure and expand utility services are
ongoing but are often constrained by limited resources and logistical challenges.
Access to basic services: Soroti District is home to various schools, clinics, public transport
routes, and shopping facilities, though accessibility can vary depending on geographical location
and infrastructure development. Urban centers typically have better access to these services
compared to remote rural areas. Transportation infrastructure, including roads and public
transport networks, plays a critical role in facilitating access to essential services for residents
across the district.
Land Use: Land use in Soroti District is predominantly agricultural, with a significant portion of
the population engaged in subsistence farming. The district's fertile soils support the cultivation
of crops such as maize, millet, sorghum, and beans, which form the backbone of the local
economy. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to changes in land use
patterns, with increasing pressure on agricultural land for commercial, residential, and industrial
purposes. Balancing competing demands for land use while ensuring sustainable development
remains a challenge for local authorities and the authorities lease land for Urban development
and Soroti Industrial Park
Environmental Concerns: Soroti District faces various environmental challenges, including
deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion
and logging, threatens biodiversity and contributes to soil degradation and loss of ecosystem
services. Soil erosion, exacerbated by unsustainable land management practices, poses risks to
agricultural productivity and food security. Water pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff
and inadequate sanitation infrastructure, affects water quality and poses health risks to
communities reliant on surface water sources.
Roads and Traffic: In Soroti district, the nature of traffic and road infrastructure varies depending
on the area. In urban centers like Soroti
Town, roads are generally paved and well-maintained, though traffic congestion can occur
during peak hours, especially around market areas and major intersections. Motorcycles, locally
known as "boda bodas," are a common mode of transportation, often maneuvering through traffic
to provide quick and affordable rides for residents.

5. THE RESIDENTS

Population & Culture

Population

Dakabla County comprises of Tubur, Katine and Arapai Sub Counties with the total population
of 97,757. Soroti County comprises of Soroti, Gweri, Kamuda and Asuret Sub Counties with the
total population of 149,945.
Name Status Population Population
Projection Projection
2015-07-01 2020-07-01

Soroti District 305,300 363,600

363,600 Population [2020] – Projection
1,416 km² Area
256.8/km² Population Density [2020]

3.6% Annual Population Change [2015 → 2020]

Arapai Subcounty 41,600 49,500
Asuret Subcounty 40,800 48,500
Eastern Division Division 19,300 23,000
Gweri Subcounty 49,300 58,800
Kamuda Subcounty 38,000 45,300
Katine Subcounty 36,000 43,000
Northern Division Division 19,700 23,400
Soroti Subcounty 25,800 30,700
Tubur Subcounty 22,600 26,900
Western Division Division 12,200 14,500
Eastern Region 9,269,800 10,836,500
Source: Uganda Bureau of Statistics (web).

Structure of Households.
The size and nature of households in Soroti District vary depending on factors such as socio-
economic status, cultural norms, and household composition. On average, households consist of
an average size of 4.7 individuals, including extended family members such as grandparents,
aunts, uncles, and cousins. Extended family structures are common, with multiple generations
often residing together in a single household.

Ethnic Composition.

Soroti District is home to various ethnic groups, including the Iteso and Kumam who descend
from the early fishing, agricultural, and herding communities of Ethiopia. They migrated
southwards towards Uganda because of land pressure around the 17th century. Today, they live
on the shores of Lake Kyoga in the districts of Serere, Soroti and Kaberamaido. The Iteso people
are the largest ethnic group, followed by the Kumam. Each ethnic group contributes to the
cultural diversity and richness of the district, with distinct languages, traditions, and customs
shaping community life.

Standard of living.

Housing.

Housing in Soroti District encompasses a range of types, from traditional thatched-roof huts to
modern brick and mortar structures which are known as permanent houses. Homeownership
rates vary, with some households owning their homes outright while others rent or live in
communal dwellings. Soroti District was recently elevated into a city status. As a consequence
there is an ongoing influx of people into the city which puts enormous pressure onto the already
constraint system. The informal settlements/ slums lack amenities that make a house a home;
they are cramped spaces with overcrowded homes, lacking access to water and sanitation. Soroti
city is becoming more expensive to live in, and affordable land becomes increasingly scarce as
new housing developments tend to focus on the better off. The slums in Soroti city lack of toilets
and sanitation causes communicable diseases. Poor ventilation (lack of windows) contribute to
the spread of TB and other respiratory diseases whose earthen floors are almost impossible to
keep clean and turn to mud when it rains. They also present an added risk of worm infections and
other parasitical diseases, children don’t have a place to do their homework after school and
often lack the light to do so at night. The building materials used for building wattle houses are
easily damaged by water when it rains and the high risk of contracting an illness keeps more
children out of school.
Basic amenities such as running water, electricity, and toilets are mostly available in urban areas
but are often lacking in rural villages. However, with the introduction of Rural Electrification in
Uganda has provided reliable and affordable electricity to rural Ugandan households, public
infrastructure services (schools, health centres, and administration offices) and small and
medium scale enterprises. Running Water is available within Soroti town that is the access rates
in Soroti vary from 74 % in Arapai Sub-County to 95 % in Soroti Sub-County. Soroti has 1,092
domestic water points which serve a total of 307,139 people – 293,166 in rural areas. 152 water
points have been non-functional for over 5 years and are considered abandoned. Soroti has 1
piped schemes.

Average household income.

The average household income in Soroti District varies widely depending on factors such as
employment status, education level, and access to productive resources. Many households rely
on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods, supplemented by income from small-scale
businesses, wage labor, or remittances from family members working elsewhere. Livestock
ownership, including cattle, goats, sheep, and chickens, is common among rural households and
contributes to household income and food security.

Ownership of durable commodities.

Ownership of durable commodities such as telephones, cars, radios, televisions, and refrigerators
varies among households in Soroti District. While some rural households own basic electronic
appliances and motor vehicles, others mostly from the rural or semi-urban areas of the district
rely on more traditional modes of communication and transportation such as bicycles.

1.1: Mobile phone ownership (10and above years) Number Percent

Persons aged 10 years and above that own at least one mobile phone 20,217 58.9
Males aged 10 years and above that own at least one mobile phone 10,310 65.2
Females aged 10 years and above that own at least one mobile phone 9,907 53.6

1.2: Mobile phone ownership (18-30 years) Number Percent

Persons aged 18-30 years and above that own at least one mobile 10,599 72.2
phone
Males aged 18-30 years and above that own at least one mobile 5,196 77.1
phone
Females aged 18-30 years and above that own at least one mobile 5,403 68.0
phone

1.3: Internet Usage (10and above years) Number Percent

Persons aged 10 years and above that use internet 7,481 21.8
Males aged 10 years and above that use internet 4,641 29.3
Females aged 10 years and above that use internet 2,840 15.4

1.4: Internet Usage (18-30 years) Number Percent

Persons aged 18-30 years and above that use internet 4,501 30.6
 Males aged 18-30 years and above that use internet 2,725 40.4
Females aged 18-30 years and above that use internet 1,776 22.3

According to 2014 Census the usage of ICT was rampant

6 EMPLOYMENT

Types of employment.

Employment opportunities in Soroti District encompass a mix of formal and informal sectors,
including agriculture, trade, education, healthcare, and public administration. Many residents are
engaged in subsistence farming, while others work in small businesses or informal sector
activities such as petty trading or artisanal production mostly with Soroti town in the market
areas and trading centers. Employment in Soroti district is permanent or seasonal, depending on
the nature of the industry and market demand.

Places of Employment

Employment opportunities in Soroti district are located within the immediate community or in
nearby towns and urban centers. Commuting to work is common, with some residents traveling
long distances to access employment opportunities in other districts or regions.

Gender employment

Both men and women in Soroti District are actively engaged in economic activities outside their
households, though gender disparities exist in terms of the types of employment and wage levels.
Women are often involved in subsistence agriculture and informal sector activities, while men
dominate formal sector employment and higher-paying occupations.

7. EDUCATION

The formal educational structure of the population in Soroti District varies in terms of attainment
levels and access to educational resources. Primary and secondary education are widely
available, though access to higher education is limited in rural areas. Efforts to improve
educational outcomes and increase school enrollment rates are ongoing, with initiatives targeting
marginalized populations such as girls and children with disabilities.
Soroti district Education sector/department has a Vision of “ Developing a literate and
democratic society that is able to sustain and support other sectors in development” and with a
Sector Mission “ (a) To improve quality service for quality education and development in
Soroti District and (b) To build and maintain capacity in education services, improve service
delivery as per the national education policies, education strategic investment plan and district
development so as to ensure all learners have equal opportunities to access quality education
services through improvement of infrastructure and mode of service delivery.
The overall objective of providing quality services to improve the quality of primary and
secondary education in line with education policies, education strategic investment plan and the
District Development Plan.
The Education Department in 2022/2023 had projects
 Construction of Assorted facilities in Kamuda Seed Secondary School.
 Construction of VIP pit latrines in Olong, Telamot, Katine, Cheele-Tubur Primary schools
with inadequate sanitation/hygiene facilities.
 Construction of 2 classroom block in Amoroto Primary School.
 Construction of 2 Teachers I-louse in Kelim-Tubur Primary School.
 Administering end of term I and joint Mock Exams for P.& candidates to reduce academic
performance disparities in schools in Soroti District.
 Strengthening twinning programme among schools with a view of improving balanced
academic performance in the district.
 Implemented new guidelines to offer actionable guidance tor safe reopening and running of
education institutions and reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and
learning.

8 HEALTH.

Prevalent physical diseases and disabilities: Common physical diseases in Soroti District include
malaria, respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and HIV/AIDS. Limited access to healthcare
services, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and socio-economic factors contribute to the
prevalence of these diseases. The HIV prevalence rate is 3.7% for this region, with an estimated
59,108 PLHIV of whom 11,589 are not on ART. HIV prevalence is higher for KP and priority
populations (PP), particularly female sex workers (FSW) (31%), people who inject drugs
(PWID) (16%), prisoners (15.0%), and men who have sex with men (MSM) (13%). HIV
prevalence is unevenly distributed by age and sex especially in Peri-urban/slum areas in Teso,
with women and girls more affected by the epidemic who are forced to trade sex in exchange of
money and sanitary pads. In the UPHIA, females had higher HIV prevalence (12.5%) than males
(8.5%).

Incidence of traffic accidents.

Traffic accidents are a concern in Soroti District, particularly on poorly maintained roads and
highways. Factors contributing to the incidence of traffic accidents include reckless driving,
inadequate road infrastructure with many potholes and inadequate signage and limited
enforcement of traffic regulations. Efforts to improve road safety through awareness campaigns,
road maintenance, and law enforcement are ongoing but may be hindered by resource
constraints. One of the most fatal case study of traffic accident occurred on April 27 th, 2023
where forty-two (42) students from Nabilatuk district were involved in a motor accident in Gweri
Sub County, Soroti District, on Wednesday evening. The students were returning from different
schools in Nabilatuk district in the Karamoja sub-region when the Fuso lorry they were traveling
in overturned at Gweri Trading Centre around 4:00 pm.

Incidence of malnutrition.

Malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge in Soroti district, particularly among
vulnerable populations such as children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly. Inadequate
dietary diversity, limited access to nutritious foods, and poor sanitation contribute to the
prevalence of malnutrition. Nutrition interventions, including food assistance programs,
nutritional education, and micronutrient supplementation, are implemented to address
malnutrition and improve health outcomes.

Special population groups.

Special population groups in Soroti District include the physically disabled, visually impaired,
street children, and vulnerable individuals such as orphans and elderly persons. These groups
face unique challenges related to access to education, healthcare, social support, and economic
opportunities. Efforts to promote inclusion and improve the well-being of special population
groups are undertaken through government programs, NGOs, and community-based initiatives
for example O.J Foundation for the Disabled is working hand in hand with the government and
donors to ensure inclusion of people with disabilities in service delivery.

Social deviance

Prevalence of adult and juvenile crime in Soroti district varies depending on factors such as
socio-economic conditions, community cohesion, and law enforcement efforts. Common types
of offenses include theft, assault, domestic violence, substance abuse, and property crimes.
Social deviance is exacerbated by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to
educational and recreational opportunities. Community policing initiatives, crime prevention
programs, and youth empowerment projects aim to address social deviance and promote
community safety and well-being.

VALUES, TRADITIONS, AND PERCEPTIONS

Values.
Community values are the shared beliefs, ethical principles, and ideals that guide the behavior
and decision-making of members within a particular community. These values reflect the
collective preferences, priorities, and aspirations of the community and serve as a foundation for
social cohesion and cooperation. Examples of community values may include respect for elders,
solidarity in times of need, stewardship of natural resources, and commitment to cultural
heritage.

Traditions.

Traditions refer to the customs, rituals, practices, and behaviors that are passed down from
generation to generation within a community. They embody the cultural heritage and historical
experiences of the community and often play a central role in shaping social identities and
fostering a sense of belonging. Traditions can encompass various aspects of life, including
celebrations, ceremonies, foodways, art forms, and social interactions.

Perceptions.

Perceptions refer to individuals' subjective interpretations, understandings, and evaluations of

their social environment, including their community. Perceptions are influenced by personal
experiences, social interactions, cultural norms, and media representations. They shape how
individuals view themselves, others, and the world around them, influencing their attitudes,
behaviors, and decision-making processes within the community.
Music, dance and storytelling played a big part in Iteso and kumam lifestyle. At any time music
would be made, at various functions, such as ceremonial, religious and political functions. In the
evening, the old people would narrate stories to the younger generation as part of the oral
traditions.

Marriage

Previously, the parents would arrange marriages for their children. Girls would be betrothed to
boys at an early age. In effect, the young girl would become wife to a respective boy but she
would wait to be officially handed over when she came of age. In some cases, the young girls so
betrothed would be taken to the boy's home to grow up there. When she came of age, a ceremony
would be organized to formalize the relationship.
The perceptions of different residents (children, youth, adults, and the elderly) of Soroti district
regarding their community's strengths and weaknesses is explained below with illustrative
examples;

Children.
Children often appreciate the strong sense of community in Soroti district, where they grow up
surrounded by extended family members, neighbors, and friends who provide a supportive
environment. For example, children enjoy participating in traditional ceremonies and
celebrations, such as weddings or cultural festivals or traditional marriages most in the evening
locally known as “Okadibong”, where they learn about their heritage and feel a sense of
belonging.
Children in Soroti district face challenges such as inadequate access to quality education due to
overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, or long distances to schools, abject and extreme
poverty faced by rural residents that they cannot afford the necessary requirements (uniforms,
scholastic materials, and supportive equipment) to enable their children to attend school most
specifically girls.
Youth.
Youth in Soroti district often highlight the rich cultural traditions and social cohesion as
strengths of their community. They engage in activities such as traditional dance groups or
community service projects that target youth including the recently government Parish
Development Model that many youth in the district took advantage and participated in, fostering
a sense of identity and pride. For example, youth organize clean-up campaigns or participate in
youth-led initiatives to address local issues like environmental degradation or youth
unemployment. One of the projects being funded by FIFA Foundation and implemented by
Youth and Women for Opportunities Uganda-YWOU aimed at empowering girls through
football in Soroti, Uganda by transforming the lives of disadvantaged girls and young women in
the Eastern region of Uganda through a comprehensive football program for girls.
Youth in Soroti district face barriers to accessing higher education or vocational training
opportunities, limiting their prospects for employment and economic empowerment.
Additionally, social norms and expectations regarding gender roles constrain their choices and
opportunities. For instance, young women face pressure to prioritize marriage and childbearing
over pursuing further education or career aspirations.
Adults.
Adults in Soroti district value the strong sense of community and mutual support networks that
characterize their daily lives. They participate in community-based savings and lending groups,
known as "savings circles," where members pool resources to support each other in times of need
or invest in income-generating activities. For example, adults come together to build communal
infrastructure such as water wells or irrigation systems, enhancing access to clean water for the
entire community, excavating the impassable feeder roads in rural areas with the Leadership of
Local Council (LC1) which bonds the adults in the rural parts of Soroti districts.
Adults may grapple with challenges such as limited access to healthcare services, particularly in
rural areas where health facilities may be understaffed and poorly equipped. This can lead to
delays in seeking medical treatment and exacerbate health problems. For instance, adults may
lack access to essential medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension,
leading to complications and reduced quality of life.
Elderly.
The elderly population in Soroti district often serves as custodians of cultural heritage and
traditional knowledge, playing a key role in passing down oral histories, storytelling, and
indigenous practices to younger generations. They actively participate in community gatherings
and decision-making processes, offering wisdom and guidance based on their life experiences of
recent on Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) Ministry of youth affairs organized a Teso youth leader’s
conference that took place on Sat 2nd March, 2024 in Soroti City with the theme is “Culture for
Social Economic Transformation of the Youth in Teso where the elders played a key role in
advising the youth.
Elderly individuals in Soroti district face vulnerabilities such as financial insecurity in old age,
especially if they lack adequate social support networks or pension benefits. Without access to
income-generating opportunities or social safety nets, they struggle to meet their basic needs and
afford healthcare expenses. For example, elderly widows living alone are at risk of social
isolation and lack caregivers to assist them with daily tasks or medical care.
In Soroti district, residents perceive several major issues that face their community,
encompassing socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural challenges. These issues
significantly impact the daily lives and well-being of the population. The following are the main
challenges faced by the people of Soroti district.

Environmental degradation.

Environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, threatens
the ecological sustainability and agricultural productivity of Soroti district. Unsustainable land-
use practices, such as overgrazing, charcoal production, and improper waste disposal, contribute
to environmental degradation. However, rising land degradation is drawing environmental
concern as well as speculation over a potential 3-10% loss in GNP.

Limited access to clean Water and Sanitation

Many residents of Soroti district lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities, posing health
risks and contributing to waterborne diseases. Rural communities often rely on unprotected water
sources such as ponds, streams, or shallow wells, which are most times contaminated with
bacteria and parasites which cause diarrheal diseases that are common among children due to
inadequate access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation practices.
Attitudes and behavior towards each other.
 Attitudes and behavior of various groups within Soroti district towards each other is shaped by
cultural norms, social hierarchies, and historical interactions. Respect for elders, communal
sharing of resources, and mutual support in times of need are often valued norms in the
community. However, tensions at times exist between different ethnic groups where there is a rift
between the Iteso and Kumam, socio-economic classes, or generations, leading to occasional
conflicts or misunderstandings.

Resource Networks

In Soroti district, resource networks comprise both customary and informal networks as well as
formal organizations. Understanding these networks is crucial for comprehensively addressing
the needs and challenges of the community.

Customary and informal Networks.

Types of assistance

In Soroti district, informal networks are prevalent in times of need. For instance, during the
planting and harvesting seasons, farmers often come together in groups known as "Alea" to help
each other cultivate and harvest crops. They pool labor and resources, assisting one another in
tilling the land, planting seeds, and harvesting crops. This reciprocal exchange of labor helps
ensure that all members of the community cultivate their fields in a timely manner, enhancing
food security and livelihoods.

Offering assistance.

Soroti district has a strong tradition of community solidarity and support. For example, in the
event of a household experiencing a fire or other calamity, neighbors and community members
quickly rally together to offer assistance. They provide temporary shelter, donate clothing and
household items, or mobilize resources to help the affected family rebuild their home. This
collective response reflects the community's resilience and willingness to support one another
during times of crisis.

Customary organizations and associations.

Customary organizations and associations play a key role in preserving cultural traditions and
promoting social cohesion in Soroti district. One such example is the "Iteso Cultural Union,"
which serves as a platform for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Iteso ethnic
group. The union organizes cultural events, such as traditional dance competitions, storytelling
sessions, and community celebrations, to foster a sense of pride and identity among community
members. Additionally, burial societies, known as "Akio" groups provide financial and
emotional support to bereaved families, easing the burden of funeral expenses and offering
comfort during times of loss.

Formal Organizations

Classification of formal organizations

Soroti District is home to various formal organizations that provide essential services and
support to the community. For example, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital serves as a primary
healthcare facility, offering medical consultations, diagnostic services, and treatment to residents.
The hospital operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and receives funding from the
government to sustain its operations. Additionally, educational institutions such as Soroti
University, Uganda College of Commerce, Uganda Martyrs Vocational institute, Soroti Business
School and secondary schools such as Soroti Secondary School, Jerressa High School, Halycon
high school, Teso College Aloet,Olila high School, provide access to quality education,
preparing students for future employment and leadership roles.

Characteristics and structure.

Formal organizations in Soroti district operate within established structures and guidelines to
ensure effective service delivery. For instance, Soroti Police Station, as a law enforcement
agency, follows procedural protocols and legal frameworks to maintain public order and safety.
The station is staffed by trained police officers who undergo regular training and supervision to
uphold professional standards and enforce the rule of law within the area of operation.

Power Structure

Major decision-makers
In Soroti district, major decision-makers include elected officials, traditional leaders, religious
leaders, and influential community members. For example, the district's political leadership,
comprising elected councilors and administrative officials, makes decisions related to
governance, resource allocation, and development priorities. Traditional leaders, such as clan
chiefs and elders, wield influence in matters of cultural heritage, dispute resolution, and
community cohesion.
Composition of Decision-Makers:
The composition of decision-makers in Soroti District varies depending on the nature of the
decision and the stakeholders involved. For instance, economic decisions may involve input from
business owners, agricultural cooperatives, and government agencies responsible for economic
planning and development. Social decisions related to healthcare, education, and social welfare
may require collaboration between government departments, NGOs, and community-based
organizations to address diverse needs and priorities.

Policy making organ

Soroti District Council the supreme organ, headed by the LCV Chairperson, is supported by an
Executive committee of 5 members. Chairperson LCV, the Vise and 3 policy/sectoral
Committees. They deliberate policy matters and make recommendations to the full Council of 29
Councilors (12 female and 17 male).

The Sectoral Committees include:

 Finance, Administration, Investment, Information and General Purpose
 Education, Sports, Health, Community Development (Gender, Labour, Youth, Children,
Elderly and Disabled), Sanitation and Security.
 Works, Production (Agriculture, Veterinary, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment, Marketing
and Industry), Water, Land, Urban and Regional Planning.
Statutory Bodies There are also statutory bodies, which are mandated by law to carry out
specific roles and responsibilities to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. These
include:
 District Contracts Committee
 District Public Accounts Committee
 District Service Commission
 District Land Board