Bunghoko Central MP Muhamood Masaba has accused officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of harassing his constituents and confiscating their public address systems over alleged noise pollution.
Masaba raised the concerns during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Environment with officials from NEMA, led by Executive Director Akankwasa Balirega, and officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment led by Minister of State Beatrice Anywar.
The legislator said residents in two sub-counties of Nabumali Town Council and Nyondo Sub County in Bunghoko Central had their public address systems, commonly known as hoofers, confiscated by NEMA and security officials for allegedly producing excessive noise in trading centres, particularly during evening hours.
Masaba described the enforcement as high-handed and harassment of ordinary residents, arguing that communities should be allowed to enjoy themselves while enforcement agencies ensure that noise regulations are respected fairly and within the law.
He said he had previously intervened in the matter and even engaged a Commissioner in the Ministry of Water and Environment in an attempt to have the confiscated equipment returned, but his efforts had not yielded results.
The MP further questioned the circumstances surrounding the enforcement, saying that the interests of a particular family, including a foreign national, were influencing NEMA’s actions against the local community. He called for transparency and fairness in the enforcement of environmental regulations.
Minister of State for Water and Environment Beatrice Anywar confirmed that her office had received complaints concerning noise pollution from a section of the community.
However, the exchange became heated as Masaba pressed the Minister and NEMA officials to explain what he described as excessive enforcement against his constituents.
Following the debate, Anywar apologized to the affected community and acknowledged that NEMA officials should not use enforcement powers in a high-handed manner.
The Minister pledged to follow up the matter and ensure that any public address systems that were confiscated improperly are returned to their owners.
She also committed to visiting the affected area and engaging directly with the community to find a balanced solution that protects residents’ right to enjoy their social activities while also ensuring compliance with noise pollution regulations.
The Committee is expected to continue engaging NEMA and the Ministry on how environmental laws, including regulations on noise pollution, can be enforced fairly, consistently and without unnecessarily disrupting communities and businesses.