Noise Pollution! Time Is Now To Close, Fine Churches, Mosques Making Noise At Night, Early Morning! Neither The Bible Nor Quran Commands Anyone To Broadcast Prayers Over Loudspeakers!
By Henry MULINDWA
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has called for stricter enforcement of laws to protect citizens from noise pollution which it said is making most Ugandans lose sleep hence developing illnesses.
“Uganda does not need new laws. It needs better enforcement of existing ones. We, leaders must act boldly to protect citizens from noise pollution. Religious institutions should take responsibility for their impact on communities. Worship centers should install soundproofing to contain noise within their premises” Adv. Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson Uganda Human Rights Commission said in a missive entitled regarding Noise Pollution through religion as A Human Rights Crisis in Uganda!
She explained that many churches and mosques abroad use modern acoustic designs to reduce noise pollution which even those here in Uganda should resort to in public interest.
“Authorities must conduct regular noise level assessments. Violators should face real consequences including fines, closure, or confiscation of equipment. But more importantly, religious leaders must work with local councils to agree on acceptable noise levels” she said.
Wangadya noted that faith is meant to unite communities, but not to divide them through conflict.
She urged that no public address system should operate beyond set hours, adding that religious gatherings can happen without amplifiers that disrupt entire neighborhoods.
The lady from the Elgon mountains noted that while Kampala bears the brunt of extreme noise pollution, the problem extends nationwide. She said in Lira for example, overnight crusades are common in residential areas. In Mbale, she said; loud mosque speakers wake entire suburbs before dawn while in Fort Portal, street preachers use megaphones to spread the word—regardless of whether people want to hear it or not.
“This is a national issue. Every Ugandan has the right to worship and the right to silence. These rights must coexist. Religious institutions must lead by example showing that worship does not have to be disruptive. Ugandans deserve peaceful nights and healthy lives” she said.
The Human Rights watchdog’s head noted that noise pollution is a preventable crisis but it will not resolve itself as it requires collective action.
Wangadya said that while the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has issued numerous warnings, loudspeakers continue to blast through the night.
She said Noise pollution remains one of the most ignored violations of public health and human rights in this country.
“Freedom of worship is a fundamental right protected under Uganda’s Constitution. But it is not absolute. It must be balanced against other rights, including the right to a healthy environment and the right to rest. No one’s religious freedom should come at the expense of another person’s well-being” she guided. Citing Article 43(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Wangadya said this article provides that in the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed in this Chapter, no person shall prejudice the fundamental or other human rights and freedoms of others or the public interest.
She therefore, observed that Noise from worship centers is not about faith but about is about responsibility.
Wangadya said neither the Bible commands Christians to wake entire neighborhoods at night nor the Quran instructs Muslims to broadcast prayers over loudspeakers.
She said the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that prolonged exposure to high noise levels leads to sleep disorders, high blood pressure, anxiety, and even heart disease, with Children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses suffering the most.
Wangadya wondered why Uganda, a country with clear legal frameworks addressing noise pollution such as The National Environment Act, 2019, and the Noise Standards and Control Regulations, 2003, which set limits on acceptable noise levels, but the problem continues to occur.
“Places of worship, entertainment venues and businesses must keep sound below 60 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night. Violators can face fines up to 18 million shillings or imprisonment” she said, but however, noted that enforcement of these sanctions is very weak as Local authorities often hesitate to act against religious institutions fearing backlash while Police responds to complaints but action is rare.
“Kampala like many places in Uganda, never truly sleeps. Beyond the natural rhythm, another kind of noise dominates and does not pause for rest. The unrelenting blare of loudspeakers from churches, mosques, and other places of worship has turned communities into unwilling audiences to non-stop religious broadcasts” she said.
Wangadya lectured that noise pollution is more than an irritation as it is a direct violation of fundamental human rights. “The right to health, the right to a peaceful environment, and the right to privacy are all under attack. Ugandans are losing sleep, developing stress-related illnesses, and struggling to find quiet spaces in their own homes. The law is clear. The enforcement is questionable” she noted.
She said it is time to take noise pollution seriously—not just in Kampala, but across the country.
Wangadya said that in most villages or trading centers, every time the sun sets and just as families settle down, loudspeakers come to life. These appear in form of Midnight prayers, overnight vigils, and early morning calls to worship, turning entire neighborhoods into open-air congregations.
“Imagine a nurse working a night shift at Mulago Hospital, only to come home to deafening praise songs at 3 a.m. How does she rest? A student in Jinja prepares for final exams but a nearby crusade thunders through the night. How does he concentrate? A mother in Mbarara soothes her newborn to sleep only for a preacher’s microphone to jolt them both awake. Where can she find peace? This is not just an inconvenience. It is a human rights issue” she observed.
She called on Lawmakers, local authorities, religious leaders, and citizens must work together.
“The solution is clear: enforce the law, promote responsible worship, and respect everyone’s right to peace. A Uganda where people can pray in peace and sleep in peace is possible. But only if we turn down the volume” she counseled.
SOURCE: www.theinspector.co.ug
