A Pentecostal clergyman, who neglected the wisdom imparted in the Book of Proverbs, found himself compelled to reflect on verses from Lamentations after being apprehended due to noise disturbances.
The Scriptures caution, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). However, Pastor James Bisoboka, aged 49, faced the consequences of disregarding this advice when he was detained on Monday by officers from the Environment Protection Police Unit and the National Environment Management Authority (Nema).
Pastor Bisoboka, leading the Honnest Alliance Ministries Church International, initially attracted attention in July 2023 when questioned about excessive noise emanating from his church in Butabika, a suburb of Kampala City. While granted police bond during ongoing investigations, he surreptitiously resumed preaching atop the mountain, evading authorities. His persistence led to his eventual arrest on Monday, spending a contemplative night in custody, during which he might have pondered the guidance from Lamentations to “sit alone in silent patience” during times of affliction.
The intervention of Bishop David Kiganda, head of the National Pastors’ Platform of Uganda, facilitated Pastor Bisoboka’s release the following day. Bishop Kiganda noted this as the first incident of a worship leader’s arrest for noise pollution since President Museveni directed police to cease such actions in 2022.
Conflicts arising from religious congregations’ fervent expressions of faith and the plight of neighbors seeking respite from noise disturbances are not novel occurrences. Poor urban planning regulations allowing noise-generating establishments in residential zones, combined with advancements in sound amplification technology, have exacerbated tensions.
The resurgence of noise complaints post-COVID-19 economic reopening saw Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi establish a dedicated team and hotline to address noise pollution nationwide. This resulted in the seizure of equipment and disruption of religious services, prompting Pentecostal pastors to appeal to President Museveni to halt these operations.
President Museveni responded to Bishop Kiganda’s plea in an August 2022 letter, questioning the necessity of loud prayers, particularly at night, despite ceasing police interventions. He urged religious leaders to reflect on the disturbance caused by nocturnal worship and consider more neighborly approaches to communal expression of faith.
In response, Bishop Kiganda affirmed ongoing discussions with Nema officials on enforcing noise pollution regulations. They advocated for self-regulation within churches while scrutinizing noise complaints to discern underlying motives, including land disputes and religious intolerance.
According to the National Environment (Noise Standard and Control) Regulations of 2003, specific noise limits apply to different settings, yet many places of worship fail to comply, especially in residential areas, exacerbating tensions.
Efforts by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to enforce noise regulations faced challenges, with Bishop Kiganda criticizing the prescribed decibel limits as unrealistic and urging further research into acceptable noise levels for religious activities.
Despite challenges in enforcement, Nema and police continue to address noise disturbances to prevent legal disputes and safeguard community well-being. However, as religious leaders strive to balance spiritual expression with neighborly harmony, stakeholders endeavor to find equitable solutions to mitigate noise pollution and promote peaceful coexistence.
