Soroti University has its origins in early 1950s when elders from Teso sub region in eastern Uganda nursed a dream that one day, they will have an institution of higher learning in their area. This they demonstrated by securing land in Arapai area near Soroti Town, since 1914. Most notable of the elders was Mzee Enock Epaku who donated land 1000 acres for the construction of a Technical school which later was upgraded to Teso College Aloet this land was later curved for the university and other educational institutions.