KAMPALA. Bars, clubs and entertainment venues in Kampala face tighter restrictions after Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) issued a 14 -day ultimatum to comply with noise pollution standards or risk enforcement action.
According to KCCA Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki,they are working with the National Environment Management Authority to enforce permissible noise levels of 75 decibels during the day and 50 decibels at night.
“We have issued nuisance orders to these business premises and given a grace period of 14 days to ensure that they insulate their premises, put noise limiters and do not bypass them,” said “After that, we are going to enforce in line with the law,” she added.
The crackdown targets a wide range of establishments, from bars and nightclubs to other entertainment venues, many of which operate in mixed residential and commercial areas.
City officials say the move is aimed at protecting public health and improving urban living conditions, particularly in residential neighborhoods where complaints about excessive noise have been rising.
“The noise levels in these areas must not exceed 75 decibels during day and 50 decibels at night,” Buzeki said, warning that non compliant businesses risk penalties under existing environmental regulations.
The directive places new compliance costs on operators, who must invest in soundproofing and noise control equipment, potentially reshaping Kampala’s nightlife economy.
KCCA says enforcement will follow the expiration of the grace period, marking one of the most assertive moves yet to regulate the city’s fast growing entertainment sector.