Stray Goats, Cows Chew Up What is Left of Soroti City's Greens

The animals, often seen roaming freely through streets, markets, and residential areas, have become a major inconvenience, disrupting traffic and businesses while also causing property damage.

The increasing presence of stray goats and cows in Soroti City has raised concerns among residents, who are pointing fingers at local authorities for failing to address the issue.

The animals, often seen roaming freely through streets, markets, and residential areas, have become a major inconvenience, disrupting traffic and businesses while also causing property damage.

Residents are frustrated by the uncontrolled movement of livestock, which they say not only creates an eyesore but also presents a danger to road users.

“It’s becoming unbearable. These animals roam freely in the city, causing accidents and dirtying the streets. Where are our leaders?” questioned Peter Ojara, a boda boda rider in Soroti.

Business owners are also feeling the impact, with shopkeepers and market vendors reporting that the stray animals have been causing significant losses.

"We struggle to keep our businesses running, and now we have to deal with stray animals. These goats especially here in Pamba knock down our goods, and no one seems to care,” complained one trader.

The lack of enforcement has sparked accusations that political leaders are turning a blind eye to the issue.

There are claims that some political figures allow their livestock to graze freely within the city, contributing to the problem.

Despite complaints from the public, attempts to contact city authorities for comment have proven fruitless.

Some locals have suggested implementing by-laws to regulate livestock movement and maintain order in the city.

Others have proposed impounding stray animals and auctioning them if the owners fail to reclaim them within a set timeframe.

With the city striving for modernization, residents are demanding urgent action from the local authorities to restore order.

Many argue that Soroti City, which is working towards becoming more urbanized, cannot afford to let livestock roam its streets as if it were a rural trading center.

For now, goats and cows continue to be a regular part of Soroti’s landscape, leaving residents to wonder when their leaders will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.