Edward Mukisa and Herman Ssebunje, both pastors at Nkumba Miracle Centre in Bendegere village in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, are among the six suspects that have been sent on remand after they were arrested and arraigned in court on noise pollution charges.
The other suspects are bar proprietors who were also remanded for two weeks over noise pollution. These include; Sisay Beruke, Tigsti Melkamu, and Steven Ssetumba.
According to a press statement issued by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), the suspects appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate on Tuesday and were charged with noise pollution. The suspects pleaded not guilty.
NEMA disclosed that the suspects were arrested last week during the ongoing operation against noise pollution in the country, triggered by numerous public complaints.
NEMA explains that the law requires establishments such as places of worship, and recreational and production activities to either submit project briefs or undertake environmental and social impact assessments to enable relevant authorities to guide their operations and to ensure that aspects of the environment, including noise, air, and water pollution, are not compromised.
Once found guilty of noise pollution, a person faces a fine of Shs 1 billion or a maximum jail term of 15 years, or both.