City authorities ban preaching in Hoima Central Market

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Hoima city authorities have announced a ban on preaching in the central market in a bid to restore order and reduce disturbances in the area.

Godfrey Kisekka, the town clerk for Hoima City, stated that the local authorities had received multiple complaints from market users regarding noise pollution, disorder, potential security risks, disruption of business, and intolerance towards other religious beliefs.

“We have received many complaints about annoying noise pollution, disorder, possible security lapses, disruption of potential customers and lack of tolerance to other religious beliefs,” Kisekka wrote in a letter dated February 20, 2025.

Kisekka recommended that those wishing to hold prayers contact the city authorities to be allocated a hall on the upper floor of the market building, free of charge.

“Loudspeakers of these violations will be impounded and culprits fined, among other penalties. Currently, the market has no recognised elected leaders, and the city council has all the powers to manage the affairs of the market,” he added.

Idd Magezi, the councillor representing East Division in the Hoima City Council, supported the decision, stating that it would help restore order in the market.

Magezi acknowledged the importance of prayer but emphasised the need for proper management of such activities.

“We must ensure that prayers are conducted in a proper way while maintaining order in the market,” Magezi said.

Jackline Kansiime, a vendor in the central market, welcomed the decision, saying the noise had made it difficult to focus and serve customers effectively.

“Sometimes we fail to concentrate and serve our customers. We are happy that the council has stepped in to help restore sanity in the market,” she said.

Israel Kabyanga, the LCII chairperson for Kahora ward, urged born-again pastors to form a committee to regulate street preaching.

“We are appealing to our pastors to regulate their activities before we step in as leaders. We will work with them to ensure that their activities are conducted in a harmonised way,” he said.

Jackson Magezi, a regular preacher in the market, expressed their willingness to comply with the new directives.

“We are happy that they are moving to allocate us space where we can conduct our prayers. We haven’t been allocated space, and that was the reason we have been conducting prayers in the open,” Magezi said.