Ibanda: Church leaders to face arrest over noise pollution
By Racheal Nuwahereza
George Bakunda, the Ibanda district resident commissioner (RDC) has advised proprietors of entertainment places, businesses like mobile phone vendors and church leaders in Ibanda, to stop playing uncontrolled music through loudspeakers because that noise violates other people’s rights to a quiet environment and decent sleep.
The RDC who was addressing a stakeholders’ meeting at his office, added that if the night economy endangers security and the environment in Ibanda, the authorities will have to come in and apprehend the culprits including facing arrest and prosecution.
Bakunda explained that the noisy environment has aided many thefts, break-ins and other crimes to be committed in Ibanda town since the criminals strike unnoticed.
Philbert Waibi, the Ibanda district Police commander (DPC) said the intervention by the security follows numerous complaints from the public over the noise produced by churches, device vending shops, entertainment places like bars and night clubs, among others.
“However, we want to work together to ensure harmony and peace for everyone. At times, you find a single person in a church praying amid high levels of noise from loudspeakers. Your activities and business should not trample on the rights of other people,” Waibi told the meeting.
The meeting was attended by church leaders, the business community in Ibanda, Ibanda Municipal Division chairperson, and security personnel, among others.
Story by Stephen Nuwagira
