Abstract

Municipal solid waste management has emerged as a significant concern in numerous regions, particularly with
the escalating volume of waste generated daily due to population growth. This environmental issue is particularly
acute in developing economies like Uganda. Consequently, a study was undertaken to assess the state of existing
practices regarding solid waste collection, transportation, disposal, and treatment in Soroti District. Employing a
cross-sectional survey design, data was gathered from 314 individuals, including employees, councilors, traders,
and household members. Questionnaires, interviews, and observations were utilized for data collection, with
informants selected through simple random and purposeful approaches. The Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences (SPSS) was employed to analyze the data and formulate frequency percentage tables. The investigation
revealed a myriad of challenges concerning solid waste management planning and organization. In Soroti
Municipality, various methods are employed for collecting, transporting, and disposing of solid waste in
designated sites. The study determined that private individuals and businesses operating within the municipality
are primarily responsible for solid waste disposal, typically utilizing bags for collection. However, these methods
were found to be largely inadequate in addressing current challenges, underscoring the necessity for improved and
innovative waste management and monitoring strategies in Soroti, Uganda. Such measures are crucial for
preventing disease outbreaks and associated public health issues.
Keywords: Soroti Municipality, Solid waste, Population, Transportation, Disposal, Collection.