Residents of Arua City have welcomed a tough decision by Mayor Lawrence Alionzi ordering Capital One Club to immediately stop hosting loud outdoor entertainment following months of complaints over excessive noise that has disturbed nearby hospitals and residential neighbourhoods.
The directive follows a petition from concerned city dwellers and management of Arua Regional Referral Hospital, who argued that the club’s booming music had become unbearable for patients seeking treatment and recovery.
In a press statement dated June 19, 2026, the mayor announced that the city council had successfully engaged the management of Capital One Club and reached an agreement aimed at ending the long-running dispute over noise pollution.
The statement, obtained by The Investigator, notes that the parking area of Capital One Club will no longer be used for musical shows or any other loud entertainment activities.
“Following concerns raised by residents about noise pollution from activities conducted in the parking area of Capital One Club, particularly its impact on patients at Arua Regional Referral Hospital and nearby communities, Arua City Council engaged the club’s management to address the matter,” the statement reads.According to City Hall, the agreement marks a balance between supporting business and protecting public health.
“An agreement was reached, and the parking lot will no longer be used for musical shows or other loud entertainment activities. The City Council appreciates the cooperation of Capital One Club and remains committed to balancing economic activity with the health, safety and well-being of residents.”
Although the statement did not explicitly threaten sanctions, sources at City Hall told The Investigator that entertainment venues operating close to sensitive facilities such as hospitals will now be expected to invest in proper soundproof infrastructure. Failure to comply could result in closure or the revocation of operating licences.Officials say entertainment businesses will be encouraged to construct indoor, soundproof halls instead of relying on open-air venues that expose surrounding communities to excessive noise.
HOSPITAL’S CONCERNS FINALLY HEARD
For months, residents living around the club had complained that loud music often continued deep into the night, making it difficult for families to sleep.However, the loudest concern came from Arua Regional Referral Hospital, which sits just a short distance from the entertainment venue.
Medical workers and residents argued that patients recovering from illness require a peaceful environment, something they said had become impossible whenever outdoor concerts or weekend events were held at the club.
Health experts have long warned that excessive noise can negatively affect patients by increasing stress levels, disrupting sleep and slowing recovery, particularly among the elderly, children and critically ill patients.The mayor’s intervention has therefore been welcomed as a victory for public health.
RESIDENTS APPLAUD MAYOR
Soon after the announcement was released, the city dwellers flooded with praise for Mayor Alionzi, with many describing the decision as an example of responsive leadership.
City resident Olinga Simon Peter, praised the mayor for listening to the concerns of ordinary people.”A mayor that is people-centred and responsive will receive the same response from his people. Continue the good work Sir.”
His remarks were echoed by several residents who argued that elected leaders should prioritise the welfare of citizens over commercial interests whenever public health is at stake.Many commenters said the city administration had demonstrated that it was willing to act after listening to the public instead of ignoring repeated complaints.
OTHERS QUESTION PLANNING
Not everyone, however, believed the problem should have reached this stage. Another resident, identified as Sammy Idrigi, questioned why the entertainment venue had originally been allowed to operate in such close proximity to two hospitals.
“How were they given a permit to operate well knowing that the place is located next to two hospitals, Pioneer and Arua Regional Referral Hospital? Does Arua City have designated places for entertainment since everyone will raise a complaint and night businesses stopped?”His comments have reignited debate over urban planning within Arua City.
Some residents argue that entertainment businesses should be concentrated in designated nightlife zones away from hospitals, schools and residential estates to minimise conflicts between businesses and surrounding communities.Urban planners have often warned that poor zoning eventually leads to disputes between commercial establishments and residents as cities continue to expand.
CALLS TO EXTEND CRACKDOWN
Others believe Capital One should not be the only entertainment venue targeted. Fidal Mundrugo urged City Hall to investigate other establishments that allegedly generate excessive noise. “Thank you, but don’t forget Triplex. The noise on Wednesday and Friday is beyond. Let them have an indoor soundproof or something else.”
His appeal reflects wider frustrations among residents who say noise pollution has become a growing challenge as Arua’s nightlife expands.
Several residents responding online called for city authorities to conduct routine inspections of bars, clubs and event venues to ensure they comply with environmental standards.Some suggested introducing stricter limits on outdoor concerts, while others proposed fixed closing hours for venues located near residential areas.
BALANCING BUSINESS AND PUBLIC INTEREST
The decision nevertheless highlights the difficult balancing act facing city authorities.
Entertainment businesses contribute significantly to Arua City’s economy by creating employment for musicians, DJs, event organisers, security personnel, vendors and transport operators.
Nightlife also attracts visitors from neighbouring districts and across the border, boosting local commerce.However, city officials insist economic growth cannot come at the expense of public health.
The mayor’s statement emphasises that Arua City remains committed to promoting business while ensuring residents enjoy a safe and healthy environment.
That approach appears intended to reassure investors that the city is not opposed to entertainment businesses but expects them to operate responsibly.By encouraging venues to install soundproof halls instead of relying on open-air events, City Hall hopes businesses can continue operating without inconveniencing neighbouring communities.
A PRECEDENT FOR OTHER CITIES
Environmental experts say the Arua decision could become a model for other urban centres across Uganda, where complaints about loud bars, churches, concerts and public events have become increasingly common.
Noise pollution remains one of the most frequent environmental complaints received by local governments, particularly in rapidly growing towns where residential and commercial developments often overlap.Residents hope City Hall will consistently enforce the new standards rather than limiting action to a single venue.
For now, many believe Mayor Alionzi has sent a clear message that the right to conduct business must be balanced against the right of residents—and especially hospital patients—to peace, rest and a healthy environment.Whether other entertainment venues follow Capital One’s example by investing in soundproof facilities could determine whether Arua finally turns down the volume on one of its most persistent urban complaints.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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