By Insight Post Uganda
Mukono-Uganda
An Indian businessman has become the centre of a heated controversy that is wreaking havoc on the lives of the less privileged who are seeking medical care at Mukono General Hospital.
The businessman made a bold move by opening a karaoke bar, named ‘Gold Leaf Bar and Restaurant,’ in close proximity to the hospital.
Positioned about 80 meters away from the medical facility, along the busy Kampala-Jinja Highway in the heart of the central business area, the bar’s location alone is causing discomfort to those in need of rest and recuperation.
Perched atop an unfinished building, the karaoke bar’s design unwittingly allows the sounds of partying to permeate the surrounding area, extending well beyond the boundaries of the hospital.
It is during the weekends, from Friday to Sunday, that the bar springs to life with vibrant karaoke sessions. The sound levels emitted from the establishment are a constant disturbance to the patients, particularly at night when sleep is crucial for their recovery.
“Imagine those suffering from pressure and heart diseases trying to survive in rooms penetrated by a sound similar to that in a night club,” says Samson Kukumba, a concerned caretaker at the hospital.
The adverse effects of this ill-placed entertainment venue are not limited to the hospital alone; the nearby residents have also fallen victim to its disruptive influence.
Frustrated by the incessant noise pollution, they have filed numerous complaints with the municipal authorities, hoping for a resolution. Unfortunately, their pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears, as no action has been taken thus far.
Francis Byabagambi, the Municipal Town Clerk, confirms that the karaoke bar has come under their radar, and an assessment report is currently being compiled. The situation has sparked concerns not only from a local standpoint but also in light of international guidelines.
WHO Guidelines
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to prolonged periods of elevated sound levels or constant noise exceeding 85 decibels can be detrimental to human health. Such levels of noise are similar to those experienced by individuals working near busy roads or highways, where the incessant sounds of traffic permeate their surroundings.
It includes continuous street traffic noise from cars, buses, and ambulances, as well as construction noises like drilling or heavy machinery, blaring music from commercial establishments, and industrial sounds like fans, generators, compressors, and mills. Even events involving fireworks, firecrackers, and loudspeakers can contribute to this hazardous soundscape.
Medical experts further warn that such prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to a range of health issues, including hypertension stemming from elevated blood pressure over an extended period, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, dementia, psychological dysfunctions, and even impairments in child development.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, last year, the authorities in Mukono municipality allocated UGX7,000,000 to acquire two handheld sound level meters to address noise pollution caused by churches and sound trucks operating within the area.
These devices, comprising a microphone, a preamplifier, a signal processor, and a display, are designed to convert sound signals into electrical signals and measure sound at different rates, recording, reporting, and analysing noise exposure.
Despite their acquisition, they have yet to be utilized effectively. The Municipal Mayor, Erisa Mukasa Nkoyoyo, had previously assured the public that the sound meters would be utilised by their environmental technical team to combat noise pollution, particularly from churches located in residential areas and sound trucks operating near health facilities.
The decision to procure the sound level meters was prompted by numerous complaints from residents, schools, and health facilities regarding uncontrolled noise within the municipality.
Mayor Nkoyoyo emphasised that it was the responsibility of the environmental technical team to adhere to the National Environment (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations of 2003, which stipulate the maximum permissible noise levels that individuals can be exposed to from various sources.
These regulations are in place to ensure a healthy and peaceful environment for all residents by setting limits on noise emissions from facilities or activities. They empower local council environmental inspectors to take action by seizing, impounding, or confiscating any property, machinery, or instrument that is causing excessive noise.
The confiscation of such items is aimed at restoring tranquility to the affected areas. Those found in violation of the regulations face significant penalties, including fines ranging from Ugx180,000 to Ugx18,000,000 or imprisonment for up to 18 months, or both.
For specific establishments such as hospitals, convalescence homes, homes for the aged, sanatoriums, institutes of higher learning, conference rooms, public libraries, and environmental or recreational sites, the maximum permissible noise levels during the day are set at 45 decibels, while during the night, the limit is lowered to 35 decibels.
As the controversy surrounding the Indian businessman’s karaoke bar continues to escalate, residents and hospital staff eagerly await the implementation of the sound level meters. These monitoring devices hold the potential to bring about much-needed respite from the incessant noise pollution, not only from the karaoke bar but also from other sources within the municipality.
Despite our efforts, we were unable to locate the Indian businessman for a comment. However, the manager of the karaoke bar said the community should understand the nature of the business they are running and acknowledge that there is nothing to do about sound.
The concerned authorities are now faced with the challenge of striking a balance.
The outcome of this conflict will not only determine the fate of the karaoke bar but also set a precedent for the enforcement of noise regulations and the protection of public health and quality of life in Mukono Municipality.
Only time will tell whether the voices of the affected residents and hospital patients will be heard and their pleas for peace and quiet will be answered.
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