KIGALI – The Rwandan government has banned mosques from using loudspeakers during the adhan, or call to prayer, in the capital city Kigali.

According to the government, the new procedures come as part of Rwanda efforts to reduce noise pollution.

The effort to reduce noise pollution is part of a program of improvement called Kigali City 2040, whose objective is to make the city Africa’s top business and tourism powerhouse within the next 22 years.

Muslims have largely complied with the ban but have criticised the move, saying they could have just lowered the volume.

“I have found that they have begun to respect it and it has not stopped their followers from going to pray according to their praying time,” Havuguziga Charles, a local official from Nyarugenge, told the BBC.

Some 1,500 churches have been closed for not complying with building regulations and noise pollution.

The majority of Rwandans are Christian. Muslims make up around 5% of the population.

The adhan is the call to announce that it is time for a particular obligatory Salah (ritual prayer). The adhan is called five times a day.