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By Onzoma Albert Arua City Arua City is facing a significant rise in noise pollution originating from motorcycles, tri-cycles, and vehicles, which has become a major concern for local authorities. The regulation of noise and vehicle emissions in Uganda is over
By Onzoma Albert
Arua City
Arua City is facing a significant rise in noise pollution originating from motorcycles, tri-cycles, and vehicles, which has become a major concern for local authorities.
The regulation of noise and vehicle emissions in Uganda is overseen by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which sets noise limits of 60 dB(A) in commercial zones and between 40-55 dB(A) in residential areas.
Swadick Amaku, the chairman of Arua’s boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) association, acknowledged the ongoing challenge and urged law enforcement to intensify efforts to crack down on motorcycles and vehicles responsible for unnecessary noise pollution.
“On behalf of boda-boda riders I want say those people are not boda-boda riders but for tri-cycle riders it’s true and for other motorcycles it’s not true, I appeal to the government through law enforcement officers to fight the crime because they are causing for noise pollution in the city, we have hospitals, offices, worship places and other places which actually don’t need such noise then why can’t police crackdown such people” he said.
Meanwhile, Fatuma Candiru, a female boda-boda rider in Arua city, recognized the severity of the problem and called for increased education and sensitization of drivers and riders about the dangers of noise pollution.
“Mostly you find this people removing exhaust pipes away and move with a lot of noise in the city center instead of hooting they crush the stand on the road with fire emissions, these days people have a lot of health related challenges like heart problem which is not good for them, most of this tri-cycle riders are under age police should help to conduct an operation to curb this issue” she said.
The Traffic and Road Safety Act prohibits tampering with vehicle exhaust systems and operating locally remodeled motorcycles that produce excessive noise.
Despite previous actions—including impounding motorcycles with dangerous mechanical conditions or illegal loud exhausts—the problem persists.
Additionally, Arua City has recently taken strict administrative measures, such as ordering major entertainment venues like the Capital One Club to halt loud outdoor events that disturb nearby neighborhoods and hospitals.
Legally classified as an environmental offense, noise pollution in Uganda carries severe penalties, including fines of up to UGX 18 million, imprisonment for up to 18 months, confiscation of equipment, and suspension of business licenses.
NEMA actively enforces these standards alongside the Uganda Police Force, striving to curb noise pollution and protect community well-being.
The ongoing efforts illustrate a strong commitment to reducing noise disturbances and improving environmental quality in Arua City.