Soroti

Soroti is the main municipal, commercial, and administrative centre of Soroti District in the Eastern Region of Uganda, lying near Lake Kyoga. It is known for the rock formation near the town. It is also well known for a variety of Muslim mosques, Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras as well as several churches that meet in various buildings in the town varying from the drab Anglican Cathedral to small Pentecostal congregations in school classrooms.

Location

Soroti is approximately 112 kilometres (70 mi), by road, northwest of the city of Mbale on the highway between Mbale and Lira. The coordinates of Soroti town are: 1°42'54.0"N, 33°36'40.0"E (Latitude:1.7150; Longitude:33.6111).

Overview

The town of Soroti still has many buildings reflecting the tastes of the large Indian population that once traded in the town. These ornate buildings fell into disrepair following Idi Amin’s expulsion of the Asians in the 1970s.

In recent years, with the return of stability to the area, the town is beginning to thrive again with many new businesses opening up. This has also increased the sprawl of the town into the surrounding farmland.