Rising noise pollution prompts police, city officials to consider action in Hoima
Meanwhile, Kazi-njema Media Managing Director John Kibego urged journalists in Hoima City and across the Albertine region to prioritise environmental reporting. He noted that pollution, including noise and air pollution, has direct consequences on people’s health and quality of life.
By George Niyonzima
Growing concerns over noise pollution in Hoima City have prompted police and city authorities to consider intervention measures aimed at protecting residents from its harmful effects.
The Hoima City East Division Community Development Officer (CDO), Steven Baguma, raised the alarm while speaking at a media training on environmental and human rights reporting organised by Kazi-njema Media. Baguma said noise pollution in the city is increasing at an alarming rate and requires urgent action from police and other stakeholders.
He identified Kiganda Zone near City Medicals and several bars in Kinuubbi Township as some of the major noise pollution hotspots. Baguma questioned why environmental activists and responsible authorities have paid limited attention to the issue despite its clear impact on public health and social wellbeing.
In response, the Albertine Regional Police Community Liaison Officer, ASP Emmanuel Ssempijja, acknowledged receiving multiple complaints related to excessive noise. He said the police are considering starting with community sensitisation before rolling out stricter enforcement measures.
“I have received those complaints, and I think having a department responsible for noise pollution would greatly support our work,” ASP Ssempijja said.
He advised Hoima City authorities to explore the establishment of a dedicated department to handle pollution management, similar to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) model, which addresses issues such as noise pollution and public nuisance. He added that clear and enforceable by-laws would be essential as a long-term solution.
Meanwhile, Kazi-njema Media Managing Director John Kibego urged journalists in Hoima City and across the Albertine region to prioritise environmental reporting. He noted that pollution, including noise and air pollution, has direct consequences on people’s health and quality of life.
Kibego warned that prolonged exposure to pollution can lead to respiratory infections, hearing impairment and, in extreme cases, death. Citing the World Health Organization, he said at least seven million people die globally each year due to air pollution and climate change-related illnesses.
Hoima City, the regional capital of Bunyoro and a key hub for Uganda’s oil and gas developments, is currently the second fastest-growing city in the country after Wakiso. Environmental activists caution that rapid urbanisation is likely to intensify environmental challenges, including noise pollution.
They are calling for stronger collaboration among city authorities, police, civil society and the media to mitigate and address emerging environmental risks before they escalate further.
