Five years ago, Yiga, an electrician bought a 50X100ft plot of land in Kawempe Ttula, Wakiso district. He constructed five rental units expecting to collect sh1million every month in rent.

But for a whole year, they remained vacant owing to the noise from a neighbouring church. Tenants would not stand the noise that covered the neighbourhood day and night. 

He talked to the pastor in vain. The local council chairman intervened and failed. 

The COVID-19 lockdown was a blessing in disguise for the neighbours.

Yiga says they got relief when churches closed. 

Elsewhere in Najeera, residents decry a bricklaying site that works day and night.

The blocks making site that emits noise to neighbours. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)

“The noise and vibrations from the machines are terrible. We can’t find peace even on weekends,” a landlord complains.

Claire Ampaire, a landlord in Kiwatule appeals to people to be responsible and considerate.

“Noise pollution violates peoples’ right to a peaceful environment. Everyone deserves a quiet environment,” she says.

How to deal with noise pollution

Haji Yasin Bakaluba Sekimwanyi, a real estate developer with Bakaluba properties advises landlords to include stringent rules against noise pollution in the tenancy agreement. 

Haji Yasin Bakaluba Sekimwanyi, a real estate developer

It should be highlighted that a tenant should respect the rights of others.

For example, those who play loud music or inconvenience others should be evicted if they fail to comply.

The landlord should warn the tenant verbally, and if they don’t change, they write to them to vacate the house. 

“If they remain adamant, the landlord should seek legal redress,” he opines. 

But some homeowners make disturbing noise for their neighbours. 

In that case, Bakaluba advises talking to the one making noise. 

“Be calm while explaining to them why their actions are bothering you. They will understand and change,” he advises. 

If they don’t, report the matter to the local council and if they fail to help, escalate it to the divisional authorities.  

“If the council doesn’t help, sue the neighbour. The laws are there to protect you,” he says.

On the other hand, Willy Mutebi, a Ugandan living in London says that concerts should be in halls that are soundproofed. 

“This is the trend in Europe. They have spent more than three centuries without noise pollution,” he says.

He adds that if an event is organized in an open ground, then there should be enough space to cool off the sound and tests have to be done to ensure that the noise doesn’t inconvenience neighbours. 

To measure the amount of noise one is omitting, Mutebi advises downloading a noise meter app. It shows the noise levels in decibels. 

What the authorities say;

David Luyimbazi, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) deputy executive director advises tenants and homeowners who are affected by noise pollution to report the perpetrators to relevant authorities.

“Don’t be silenced. It’s your right to live in a peaceful environment. Come out and report,” he advises.

Luyimbazi adds that when they receive a complaint, they write to the perpetrator warning them against bleaching the noise pollution regulations. 

If they remain adamant, they serve them with a notice to sue, and if they refuse to comply, they sue them.

Also, the Barefoot Lawyers Uganda encourage those living near noisy clubs, churches, mosques and construction sites to sue against noise pollution.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Noise standards and control regulations of 2003 specify the noise levels at 40 decibels (db) for residential areas, 60db for commercial areas and 75db for Industrial areas.

However, before COVID-19 lockdowns, many churches and clubs had decibel levels of over 100, while concerts on average had over 150.

The lawyers advise that where noise pollution is unbearable, contact NEMA, the nearest police station or Local authorities like KCCA.

If the noise continues, sue those responsible.