40 Kampala nightclubs face closure over noise

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Kampala City Council have jointly dragged at least 40 bars and nightclub owners to court over emitting noise in excess of permissible levels.

According to court criminal summons signed by Magistrate Richard Ndangwa, several clubs and bars have continued to violate the noise standards and control regulation. The National Environment (Noise Standards And Control) Regulations, 2003 puts permitted noise levels at 35 decibels in the night.

Different letters were written to different bars and clubs requiring them to appear before court. Once proven guilty, KCC will de-licence their operations until they have been inspected and found satisfactory in conformity with the NEMA and city council regulations. KCC Enforcement Officer Joseph Katungi said the culprits must change their behaviour or risk permanent closure of their businesses.

“We earlier warned all the victims but they proved to be adamant. We have received complaints from several citizens of Kampala including the Netherlands Embassy and we think it’s time to take action,” Mr Katungi told journalists yesterday.

The affected bars include; Al’s Bar and Feather’s Club in Kansanga, AY Club, Hard Rock Bar, Chogm Pub, Club X, Jamaica, After Six, Technology Pub in Makindye Division, Tickles and Giggles in Kansanga and Iguana Bar in Kamwokya.

Most failed
According to a letter signed by NEMA Executive Director Aryamanya-Mugisha, most bars, churches and nightclubs had failed to limit their excess noise.
“Most of these facilities emit noise in excess of permissible levels and play loud music without soundproof facilities contrary to the law,” the February, 1 letter addressed to Kampala Town Clerk Ruth Kijjambu reads in part.

The letter is also copied to the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura and City Mayor Nasser Sebaggala. According to Kampala entertainment ordinance, night clubs are not supposed to operate in residential areas. Approved clubs must install sound proof facilities and should not be open beyond midnight. Bars and clubs are also out of bounds for students and pupils below 18 years of age. To the contrary, several residential areas have steadily been submerged by bars and nightclubs especially in Makindye, Nakawa and Rubaga divisions.