Environment
NEMA Intensifies Crackdown on Noise Pollution Across Kampala Metropolitan Area
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has intensified enforcement against noise pollution in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, targeting facilities that continue to operate in violation of environmental regulations. The initiative, conducted over the past weekend, forms part of the authority’s ongoing commitment to safeguard the right of all Ugandans to a clean and healthy environment, as guaranteed under Article 39 of the Constitution.
Naomi N. Karekaho, Head of the Corporate Communications Unit at NEMA, said the weekend operation focused on facilities generating excessive noise, particularly bars, entertainment venues, and places of worship that have repeatedly ignored warnings. “We are determined to ensure that all citizens enjoy a healthy environment. Noise pollution is not just a nuisance—it has serious implications for public health and community well-being,” Karekaho explained.
During the operation, noise-generating equipment was impounded from non-compliant premises across several locations, including Mukono, Seeta, Bweyogerere, Kireka, Namugongo, and surrounding areas. Authorities used sound meters to measure levels and ensure that the noise emitted did not exceed acceptable thresholds as set under the National Environment (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2003.
Excessive noise pollution has been linked to a range of health issues, including stress, hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, and reduced productivity. Beyond individual health, it affects broader community life, disrupting activities in schools, hospitals, places of worship, and residential neighbourhoods. The growing public concern over this issue has prompted NEMA to adopt stricter measures against offenders.
Karekaho emphasised that NEMA’s enforcement efforts are both corrective and preventive. “We are not only penalising chronic offenders but also educating proprietors on the importance of complying with noise regulations. Amplified sound can be enjoyed responsibly without endangering public health or peace,” she noted.
In a show of inter-agency cooperation, the Environmental Police have pledged to assist NEMA and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in monitoring noise levels and enforcing compliance. The Environmental Police will conduct regular inspections, use calibrated sound meters to determine violations, and impose penalties or seize equipment from facilities that persistently flout the law.
NEMA has also called on the public to report noise pollution incidents, promising swift action against reported offenders. Facility owners are urged to adopt noise-limiting technologies, maintain operational discipline, and engage with authorities to avoid punitive measures.
This renewed crackdown signals a broader government effort to enhance environmental health standards across urban Uganda, with NEMA and its partners committed to creating quieter, healthier, and more livable cities.
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