Let me first commend Madam Jennifer Musisi and KCCA for finally heeding city dwellers’ request of rescuing them from the previously-loud music played in the dead of the night by some bars. Kudos to you people!

However, KCCA should also be condemned for applying double standards when dealing with this pressing city issue. An example is the situation in Lubaga division, most especially in Musigula village where residents have appealed to KCCA now and then, complaining of too much noise made by fake Pentecostal churches.

I refer to them as fake because most of them have been started by well-known jobless people in the area with the sole aim of making money. For any doubting Thomas, just last Sunday, a lady ‘pastor’ could clearly be heard preaching and telling believers that God’s blessing to them will mainly be determined by the amount of money or birabo they give out during the service.

She didn’t mince her words: “The money we received last Sunday was not enough to help our church. This time, give out as much as you can and Jesus will certainly bless and reward you. For the time being, forget all about your problems like the children’s school fees or how to get meals,” she yelled loudly, as members replied “Amen”.

Such worshiping places have mushroomed in the area after owners have turned their homes located in the middle of mizigos into churches. How they got licenses, everyone wonders!

Surprisingly, and in most cases, their members are less than 30; but with the help of huge loud speakers, they make a lot of noise, giving an impression that the God they are praying to is deaf!

As a result, neighbours have had to suffer almost on a daily basis to an extent of switching off their radios and TV sets. Many residents, including the sick, elderly and schoolchildren that need to revise have, for some time, complained to the now useless local councils and KCCA but to no avail.

On the other hand, we have recently not encountered such a serious problem from bars in the area. We wonder whether the KCCA noise pollution law only applies to bars! Please help us, for we also pay taxes and contribute to the wellbeing of Kampala city. .

Charles Makumbi Katongole,
Lubaga division.

Understand the problems of police deserters

Arresting police deserters estimated to be over 500 as reported in the print media could be legally correct but not a prudent measure considering the causes of the problem. 

We should recall that majority of these deserters have A-level qualifications who have been well trained and would need to be economically reintegrated just in case they are now fed up of the police force.

This matter needs serious attention because we shall soon have a pool of well-trained officers among civilians, which is a security threat. And if they cannot be taken back to service, I would propose that government lends them money to secure jobs abroad.

I recently watched on TV when a police officer asked a pastor to pray for him to have his transfer rescinded because he had a terminally-sick child in hospital and even wondered how he could go to a new station without accommodation. 

The pastor not only prayed for him but gave him over a million shillings plus other goodies.  Yes, officers in the security services should put the country first and self later but a matter like this one needs reexamination because the affected officer cannot be expected to serve with loyalty given his domestic problem. 

Samuel Byachi Mweru,
Kampala.

Don’t  cut Bariffa  forest in Arua

I have been quiet for some time but was dismayed when I read the article Arua still wants Bariffa forest cut where leaders here are continuously agitating for the degazettment of the forest for the establishment of an eco-city.

I sometimes wonder what kind of leaders we have these days who cannot even understand that man’s survival, especially in a town like this, depends solely on the environment. 

The idea of saying the forest brings insecurity alone does not even hold water since today the impact of man on the environment is real, felt in this town where long dry spells have resulted into water scarcity, due to drying of  surface rivers such as Enyau on which the urban population depends.

In developed countries like Germany, green belts even exist in the middle of cities, creating a conducive environment for the urban population to relax and mitigating impacts of climate change.

I believe that as leaders, we should not be blindfolded by self-interest to deny the local population their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

Desmond Kenyi,
Koboko.

Police officers lack tips on how to save

Police leadership has done a lot towards the welfare of its officers. The Observer story about police deserters had some missing information. Officers are not leaving the force because of low salaries and poor welfare, it is because they expect too much within the shortest time.

While speaking at a police function recently, police chief Kale Kayihura discouraged DPCs from engaging themselves in corruption tendencies. We earn as much as other public servants such as teachers, nurses and prison wardens.

At least our salaries are not subjected to deductions. As regards police accommodation, a number of housing units are being constructed across
the country.

Police has a Sacco where officers have been encouraged to save and get loans on small interest rates. There’s a duty-free shop where building materials can be got at lower prices.

Many of us have received poultry and seedlings for farming. Therefore, what needs to be done is to educate and sensitise these officers, more especially on  the culture of saving.

Rogers Ntambi,
Police officer.

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