The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Eastern Region, through its Mbale Regional Office, has carried out an enforcement operation against a bar in Mbale City over alleged noise pollution violations.
The operation targeted Da Avenue Lounge, located along Church Road in Senior Quarters near Mt. Elgon Hospital, following repeated complaints from residents and alleged non-compliance with earlier improvement notices issued by environmental regulators.
During the enforcement exercise, NEMA officials impounded several sound equipment items, including speakers, DJ turntables, amplifiers, and other audio devices, said to be contributing to excessive noise emissions in the area.
Authorities said the action was part of ongoing efforts to enforce the National Environment (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2003, which are implemented under the National Environment Act, Cap 181.
NEMA emphasised that noise and vibration are strictly regulated to protect public health, productivity, and environmental quality, particularly in sensitive areas such as hospitals, schools, and residential neighbourhoods.
“Exceeding permissible noise limits without authorisation is a punishable offence under the National Environment Act, Cap 181 and the Noise Standards and Control Regulations, 2003,” NEMA officials noted.
Under the law, offenders risk penalties including fines, imprisonment, suspension of operations, and other administrative sanctions depending on the severity of the violation.
The regulations also require businesses and event organisers whose activities exceed permissible limits—such as concerts or entertainment venues—to obtain a noise emission licence from NEMA through its e-services platform at https://eservices.nema.go.ug.
According to the Second Schedule of the regulations, permissible noise levels vary by area. Residential areas are limited to 55 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) at night, while silence zones such as hospitals and schools are capped at 50 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) at night.
Commercial areas are allowed up to 65 dB(A) during daytime and 55 dB(A) at night, while industrial areas have higher thresholds of 75 dB(A) and 70 dB(A) respectively.
NEMA inspectors said enforcement operations will continue across the Eastern Region as part of efforts to ensure compliance and protect communities from noise-related disturbances.
Residents in Mbale City welcomed the operation, saying persistent loud music from entertainment venues had been affecting rest and normal activities, especially at night.