Muhwezi Wants Ban On Smoking In Public

Aug 22, 2002

THE Minister of Health Brig. Jim Muhwezi has called for a ban on cigarette smoking in public places in order to protect non-smokers from the hazards of tobacco.

By Jovita Ajuna and Richard KomakechTHE Minister of Health Brig. Jim Muhwezi has called for a ban on cigarette smoking in public places in order to protect non-smokers from the hazards of tobacco.Speaking during a parliamentarians’ workshop on tobacco control at the Grand Imperial Hotel yesterday, Muhwezi said the smoke that diffuses into the air as a smoker puffs, could harm anybody nearby. The workshop, organised by the The Environmental Action Network Ltd, was aimed at lobbying for anti-tobacco legislation.Muhwezi also called for a ban on cigarette promotion and advertising, and said cigarettes should not be sold to minors.“Second hand smoke has been proved to cause disease to non-smokers and it is our duty to protect people from harm caused by others. The ministry and the Government support measures to control smoking in public places,” Muhwezi said.The World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr. Oladapo Walker, said tobacco farmers should be offered alternative cash crops so that they do not depend on tobacco.Muhwezi said Uganda supports any measures that will reduce smoking to protect the health of all Ugandans. He declared support for the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The convention, initiated by WHO, aims at reducing the prevalence of tobacco use and protection of present and future generations from the devastating effects of tobacco smoke.Ends

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