Muslims have vowed to protest against the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) move restricting them from using loud speakers to call worshippers for prayers.
The head of the Tabliq Muslim sect, Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto, told The Monitor at the weekend that the law against noise would not apply to them, adding that they were not part of the polluters.
"We should be distanced from noise makers. It is categorically clear that our way of worship is one of the most calm," he said.
He said, "Unless Nema has run short of environmental ideas. Nema should embark on restructuring the sector that is operating at its worst ever," he said.
Kakeeto said once they (Muslims) are banned from using loudspeakers to call their worshippers for prayers, it would be seen as infringing on their freedom of worship.
This follows plans by the police's to implement a law against noise pollution that has been in abeyance since 2003 due to lack of equipment.
The development comes after the police received five sound meters courtesy of Nema to help in controlling noise in the city.
Nema pledged more financial and technical support on pollution.
Kakeeto said Muslims are law-abiding citizens. "All Our loudspeakers are well placed and controlled. And even the time for prayers is well set whereby no one is inconvenienced," he said.
Kakeeto advised the police and Nema not to implement the law until they have consult with the concerned parties, more so Muslims, saying their call for prayers is a dogma that is well prescribed in the holy Quran.
He quoted Chapter 62 verse 9 of the Quran to justify his argument that theirs are peaceful prayers.