The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has warned businesses, entertainment venues, and individuals generating excessive noise that they face strict enforcement if they fail to comply with Uganda’s noise control regulations.
Taking to her X account on Thursday, Buzeki reminded the public that all noise-emitting establishments must adhere to the National Environment (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2003, issued under the National Environment Act enforced by the National Environment Management Authority (National Environment Management Authority).
“All businesses, individuals and other establishments generating noise must comply with the National Environment (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2003, issued under the National Environment Act,” Buzeki wrote.
“No person may emit noise above permitted levels without prior authorisation. Failure to comply will result in enforcement action, including fines, prosecution, confiscation of equipment, suspension of operations, or closure of premises in accordance with the law.”
According to KCCA, noise levels in busy urban areas must not exceed 75 decibels during daytime hours and 50 decibels at night, while residential areas are subject to stricter limits.
The authority also warned that persistent violators risk having their operating licences revoked as part of enforcement measures aimed at restoring order in Kampala’s neighbourhoods.
Buzeki’s remarks quickly triggered public debate on social media, with residents raising renewed complaints about bars and entertainment spots accused of operating above permitted noise levels, particularly in residential suburbs.
Among the most notable responses came from the Head of Corporate Affairs and Partnerships at Next Media, Ben Mwine, who appealed directly to Buzeki to intervene in a long-running dispute involving a bar in Kiwatule.
“My Leader, Madam Sharifah Buzeki, as one of your biggest cheerleaders, allow me to put this to a public test. There's a bar called La gatos in Kiwatule on Naalya road (I've attached their exact location) that has been terrorizing us!” Mwine wrote.
He added: “We even went to court, but nothing has been done for more than 2 years. We have been told that apparently the owners have ‘godfathers’ at KCCA so enforcement has been impossible. It's so bad that people have literally been trying to sell their homes because the situation has become untenable.”
Mwine also shared a court order issued in August 2024 directing compliance with noise regulations.
The order, delivered before Nakawa Chief Magistrate Christine Nantege, stated: “The noise emitted from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th respondent's premises in the applicant's neighborhood in Kiwatule should be within the permitted noise levels as provided for under the NEMA Act pending the determination of the main application.”
The court further directed relevant authorities to ensure compliance pending the determination of the main suit.
The exchange has now placed renewed scrutiny on KCCA’s enforcement of noise pollution laws, especially in densely populated residential areas where residents have long complained about late-night entertainment venues.
Attention now shifts to whether the authority will translate its warning into action against establishments accused of flouting environmental noise regulations across Kampala.
