Government Officials In Rwanda and Uganda Are Cracking Down On Noise from Churches

Government officials in Rwanda and Uganda are cracking down on noise pollution, telling church leaders that they must reduce worship-related noise levels or face penalties--including the risk of being shut down.

Noise pollution penalties in Kigali, the East African nation's capital, apply not only to churches, but also to nightclubs and other venues. But mayor Fidele Ndayisaba said the city lately has received "overwhelming complaints" of "deafening noise from churches."

Rwanda is not the only African country to enforce noise pollution penalties against churches. Uganda's capital city Kampala recently drafted legislation to reduce noise levels in the city, prompting churches to protest the new restrictions. Other churches are pursuing measures, such as sound proofing their buildings, in order to comply.