Pastor Joseph Serwadda, spearheading the Born-again faith in Uganda, asserted on a recent Easter Sunday morning that loudspeakers have evolved into an indelible aspect of their religious practices, urging the government to recognize and accommodate this reality akin to its treatment of other religious groups and businesses utilizing loudspeakers routinely.
The Born-again faith leadership in Uganda has swiftly responded to President Yoweri Museveni’s expressed concerns regarding noise pollution, emphasizing the integral role of loudspeakers in their religious tradition.
“Loudspeakers are deeply entrenched in the fabric of our tradition as the Born-again faith, and altering this dynamic is impractical,” stated Pastor Serwadda. “It’s imperative for the government to acknowledge that the usage of loudspeakers by the Balokole community is not merely a preference but a cultural and religious norm that merits respect and understanding.”
The resurgence of a letter authored by President Museveni two years prior, which addressed concerns regarding nocturnal noise disturbances from religious activities, has reignited a spirited dialogue on the matter.
In his missive directed to Pastor David Kiganda, President Museveni posed five pivotal questions regarding noise pollution:
- Does the amplified noise during nocturnal hours disrupt individuals who are sleeping?
- Is it consistent with religious principles to persist with such disturbances?
- If the overnight worship serves as a means of praising God collectively, why resort to loudspeakers, thereby unsettling those seeking tranquility, particularly during nighttime?
- Does the divine necessitate the aid of megaphones to perceive worship and supplication?
- If the objective is to propagate faith, why not wait until individuals have rested and are alert?
While Pastor Serwadda acknowledged the president’s concerns, he questioned the apparent selectivity in addressing such inquiries solely to the Born-again community, notably omitting other religious factions employing loudspeakers, such as Muslims during the Adhan.
“The inquiry into whether God can hear our prayers without loudspeakers overlooks the widespread use of such amplification by other religious groups,” Pastor Serwadda remarked. “Muslim communities routinely employ megaphones for the Adhan, prompting reflection on why similar questions aren’t directed towards them.”
He further elucidated that historically, various religions employed drums and bells to announce prayer times, emphasizing the ubiquitous presence of loud venues like nightclubs and bars within communities.
In seeking a resolution, Pastor Serwadda proposed fostering a collaborative understanding between churches and their surrounding communities.
“For instance, churches could engage in periodic dialogue with residents to organize monthly nocturnal prayers utilizing loudspeakers,” he suggested. “Furthermore, delineating specific hours during which loudspeakers may be utilized can foster harmony between religious practices and community tranquility. This collaborative approach represents the most viable path towards resolving this issue.”
