IBANDA
Police in Ibanda District have arrested two nightclub managers for allegedly engaging in excessive noise pollution by competing to play loud music, causing a disturbance to nearby communities.
According to security officials, the operation was led by the District Police Commander (DPC), Opio, after repeated warnings were ignored. The managers of Friends Club and Fresh Cuts were arrested during the operation.
The Ibanda District Resident Commissioner, Mr Godfrey Mbetegyereize, said the operation was intended to address security concerns arising from excessive noise and maintain public order.
"Regarding what happened last night, there was a patrol, and I thank the DPC and his Operations Officer for conducting an intelligence-led operation. It specifically targeted two bars—Friends Club and Fresh Cuts. They are neighbouring establishments and normally compete by playing loud music to attract customers, but this has disturbed the neighbourhood, and many residents have complained. They had previously been warned, but they continued playing music at a very high volume. The DPC intervened with his team, and the managers are now in police custody," he said.
He added that the operation was not intended to stop legitimate business activities but to ensure peace and harmony within the community.
Mr Mbetegyereize further explained that the two managers have previously been involved in conflicts, adding that police had already opened a case file concerning their disputes.
"We are not stopping people from doing business, but we want them to operate in a disciplined manner. These managers have been involved in socio-economic conflicts against one another, and there is already a police file concerning the matter. We urge the public and bar owners not to behave in this manner. You cannot effectively operate a business while holding grudges against your neighbours because your actions may negatively affect both them and the wider community," he said.
The Ibanda Municipality Deputy Town Clerk, Mr Pius Murekyezi, said the council has regulations governing bars, nightclubs, and places of worship to ensure that everyone enjoys their rights without causing inconvenience to others.
"As a council, one of our responsibilities is to ensure there is no noise pollution. The law is clear that environmental noise should remain within acceptable limits. The National Environment Act provides for permissible noise levels, and any sound exceeding those limits constitutes pollution. Excessive noise interferes with the rights and freedoms of neighbours, and we do not want one person's enjoyment to become a burden to the community," he said.
He noted that Ibanda has several establishments that generate noise, including discotheques, entertainment venues, and places of worship, which are among the main sources of noise pollution in the municipality.
Mr Murekyezi said enforcement follows a process of sensitisation and warnings before legal action is taken.
"We first engage and sensitise them, and when they continue violating the regulations, we enforce the law. Once the level of noise exceeds the permitted limits, it becomes an offence. We shall continue sensitising owners, but those who fail to comply will be arrested," he explained.
Although Ibanda has only two registered nightclubs, many other bars and seasonal open-air entertainment events also contribute to noise pollution.
Mr Murekyezi urged owners of entertainment venues and places of worship to install soundproofing measures or risk closure if they fail to comply with the regulations.
"We have consistently warned some churches in Ibanda that failure to comply with the noise regulations could result in closure. We encourage them to install soundproofing so that they do not inconvenience others. Most clubs operate near schools, churches, and residential areas, so they must keep noise within acceptable limits," he said.
