With the aid of a loud speaker, Kayemba Stephen's voice booms out above the noise of the traffic and bustle as people make their way to work in this busiest part of Uganda's capital, Kampala.

"Receive Jesus today!" the preacher, known on the streets as Sulphur Teacher, urges passers-by with a swagger as if he believes everyone is closely listening to what he has to say.

His work - as well as that of the many other street evangelists - has been the subject of debate in the city, as the authorities have proposed ways to tidy up the capital.

Auma Laura, another member of this group, takes up the microphone, praying and speaking in tongues. There is a rasping quality to the 28-year-old's voice as if the daily hour of preaching is catching up with her.

But the young woman, who works in customer relations in a bank, is not deterred. "I see God using me,” she says.

“I see myself praying for the sick and they get healed, so I cannot stop now. Uganda is for God.”

Uganda is a deeply religious country and when senior Kampala official Hudu Hussein was reported to have said that the missionaries had a month to leave the streets, there was an outcry. He later said he was misquoted and did not wish to make war with God. But he wanted preachers not to harass people in their vehicles or erect loud speakers where their voice would be enough.

But it is unlikely that the city's street clergy will be put off.

"I love the streets,” says Janet Musisi, who co-ordinates this group. “I love engaging people.

“We have been doing this every morning since January and we hope to carry on throughout the year,"

Another Street Preacher, Pastor Masasi Edson, believes that his message is powerful. But, for those who do not respond immediately, at least they prepare the stage for the next preacher.

And there will be a next preacher, regardless of what the city authorities decide to do.