By HOMELAND MEDIA TEAM,
The deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi has directed police commanders to take a punitive action against churches, bars and any other places that exceed permissible noise levels.
“What happens to the other people who are sleeping or the sick who can die if you play that high sound music? I am directing the territorial police commanders including the DPCs and RPCs to assist in ensuring this law is enforced,” Maj Gen Katsigazi said on Friday.
Speaking in his first address to the press, the deputy police chief said of late, the noise levels both during the day and at night have gone up after responsible authorities put their guns down in enforcing the necessary laws.
He noted that the role of enforcing the law in regards noise pollution has been left with environment police, adding that these can’t be everywhere.
“Noise levels at night and the day are high. People no longer care about their neighbours. They play music on top levels. There is a law that governs sound levels. NEMA and KCCA are supposed to deal with this but this has been neglected. There are mushrooming noise sources like bars, churches, places of entertainment areas and some residences, parties.”
Maj Gen Katsigazi however noted that police has now resolved to take a stern action against the breakers of the law in regards noise pollution.
“One of these days you play high music we shall visit you and take necessary action.If you don’t want that, follow the law by playing relative music .We have laws in Uganda. This is not a lawless society that you can wake up and play loud music. We are to inconvenience you for public interest. This is a warning that before we enforce it seriously, you are aware.”
Churches
A number of churches, especially those for the born again have been accused on several occasions of noise pollution during their night services.
Many have been described as untouchable by members of the public who accuse them of not caring about their neighbours.
Speaking on Friday, the deputy police chief warned that the operation against noise polluters will also target the churches.
“I don’t know about church being above the law. The church is an institution in this country which has laws and there are no exceptions for the church. It is just a perception ( that churches are above the law) but they are not. I am not going to enact my own laws. Who said churches must pray music on top of their voices for God to hear? God is not deaf. “
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