KCCA Gives Churches Options to Beat Noise Pollution Crackdown

By Skika Reporter

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has urged churches to invest in soundproofing and noise-control technology as part of efforts to curb noise pollution in the city and avoid enforcement action.

The call was made during a meeting between KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo and leaders of born-again churches at City Hall on Thursday.

The meeting comes amid a broader campaign by the city authority to enforce noise regulations affecting places of worship, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and other establishments accused of exceeding permitted noise levels.

Addressing church leaders, Ms Buzeki said worship centres can continue conducting their activities without restrictions as long as they ensure that noise does not affect neighbouring communities.

“We have guided on how you can be able to emit as much noise as you want as long as you do not affect anyone else outside of your premises. We insulate and put noise limiters. We just need to invest a little in the spaces we are using so that the neighbours do not complain,” she said.

The meeting attracted dozens of church leaders, including Apostle Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries International, Pastor Michael Kyazze of Omega Healing Centre and Pastor Irene Manjeri of Bethel Healing Ministries.

Ms Buzeki appealed to the religious leaders to support the city’s efforts to maintain harmony between worship activities and residential communities.

“Let us ensure that our devotion uplifts without disturbing the peace of our neighbours. Your support in this will make Kampala a peaceful place to stay in,” she said.

KCCA also clarified that churches intending to hold special events that may exceed prescribed noise limits can seek prior authorisation from the authority.

According to Ms Buzeki, permission may be granted for one-off events, provided the public is notified in advance.

“Where it is going beyond and it is not going to be a routine, for instance if it is a one-off function, you ask permission and we shall alert the public that the noise will be above; we shall grant that permission,” she said.

The engagement follows weeks of intensified enforcement against noise pollution across Kampala.

KCCA has already issued nuisance notices and warnings to bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues, directing operators to install soundproofing materials, insulate premises and fit noise limiters within specified grace periods.

Last month, the authority announced that the crackdown would extend to all noise-generating premises, including churches, mosques, bars, concert venues, restaurants and discotheques.

Officials say persistent offenders risk a range of penalties, including fines, confiscation of sound equipment, prosecution, suspension of licences and closure of premises.

The meeting with church leaders is part of KCCA’s effort to encourage voluntary compliance before enforcement measures are escalated.

City authorities maintain that reducing noise pollution is critical to improving the quality of life for Kampala residents while allowing businesses and places of worship to operate responsibly.

As enforcement gathers momentum, churches are now being encouraged to adopt modern sound-management technologies to strike a balance between worship and community wellbeing.