About
Soroti is the main commercial town of the Teso sub-region in eastern Uganda, and it is first of all a working place: a centre for agricultural trade where farmers and traders from the surrounding countryside come to buy and sell. For a visitor, that makes it an honest and unhurried look at everyday Ugandan life beyond the better-known tourist routes.
What to expect in town
The town's markets are the heart of its activity. They are busy with local produce, and the stalls show the staples of the region, including cassava and sweet potatoes. Visitors also come to see the region's well-known rock salt, a local product that reflects the particular character of Teso's trade.
Culture and the wider area
Soroti offers a window into the traditional culture of the Iteso people, whose way of life shapes the rhythm of the sub-region. Conversations, markets and local hospitality are often the most rewarding part of a stay here.
Soroti also serves as a gateway to nearby attractions, among them the scenic Lake Kyoga. Because the town sits at the centre of the region, it is a practical base from which to explore the surrounding landscape.
Is it worth the trip?
Soroti suits travellers who enjoy markets, regional culture and the chance to see how a rural trading town works. Those looking for a dense list of sights may find it quieter than other destinations, but it rewards visitors who come with curiosity and time to spend talking with people and wandering the market streets.