This week, the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) closed a private livestock farm in the upscale Kololo area of ​​Kampala following complaints from neighbors about a pungent smell coming from piles of droppings. animals and noise pollution.

The no-grazing farm, which started in 2019, initially had 10 Friesian cows and operated without approval from the relevant authorities.

“This law is contrary to the National Environment (Air Quality Standards) Regulations, 2024 and the National Physical Planning Standards and Guidelines, 2011,” Nema said in a statement.

Nema also said there was “noise pollution from livestock (85 decibel-dB) which is above the permitted limit of 55 dB for a mixed residential area, contrary to national environmental regulations (standards and control). noise), 2003”.

The National Environmental Noise Standards and Control Regulations 2003 define noise pollution as the emission of uncontrolled noise that may pose a danger to humans or damage the environment.

Early last year, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) ordered owners and managers of bars, entertainment and places of worship to manage their noise levels or face closure.

In a notice issued on February 11, 2023, KCCA leaders noted that various places of worship and entertainment continue to emit noise beyond permissible levels despite notification of the regulations.

KCCA guidelines state that no one is allowed to exceed a volume of 75 decibels in busy places from 6am to 10pm, with volumes to be kept at 50 decibels from 10pm to 6am. In residential places and leisure centers, noise must not exceed 60 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.

If these guidelines had been followed to the letter, there would have been peaceful coexistence between residents of urban areas, bars, places of entertainment and worship. But a walk through most urban areas across the country, especially at night, will paint a picture of residents suffering. These directives are violated with impunity and residents and authorities seem powerless.

Nema and urban authorities must give up and refuse to renew the business licenses of places that do not comply with noise pollution guidelines.

Last year, Nema introduced a system of express sanctions to control environmental challenges. The environmental watchdog should ensure that this system is fully implemented so that violators are punished.

Finally, Nema and the urban authorities have sometimes launched operations to confiscate equipment and arrest the culprits. We call on the competent authorities to make these operations frequent so that offenders learn to respect the peace of others.