2nd National Tobacco Control committee inaugurated

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Uganda’s Tobacco Control Act of 2015 was enacted to reduce the demand for and consumption of tobacco and its products. However, despite the existence of this legislation, tobacco use remains widespread.

According to the Ministry of Health, the Karamoja sub-region leads in tobacco use at 16.5 per cent, followed by the West Nile sub-region at 9 per cent.

Globally, tobacco use kills millions of people annually—including in Uganda. These numbers are expected to rise significantly, particularly in developing countries like ours, largely due to inadequate systems for managing tobacco-related diseases.

At the inauguration of the second National Tobacco Control Coordination Committee held on April 22, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala, the newly appointed chairperson, Dr Aggrey Ngobi, proposed introducing express penalties for those caught smoking shisha, tobacco, and other substances.

The newly appointed chairperson, Dr Ngobi Aggrey, proposed introducing express penalties for those caught smoking shisha, tobacco and other substances. (Credit: John Musenze)

“This is an important innovation in the fight against tobacco and tobacco products, especially for those promoting smoking in public spaces. We need a smoke-free environment so we can collectively combat this issue,” said Dr Ngobi.

“We plan to prosecute everyone found in areas where substance smoking occurs—even if they are not the ones smoking—because it is your right to protect yourself and the community from passive smoke,” he added.

Ngobi also promised that efforts will focus on sensitisation in schools, homes, and workplaces, citing the 2024 survey findings, which revealed exposure to tobacco smoke in 9.5 per cent of homes and 15.3 per cent of workplaces.

Despite existing challenges in implementing the Tobacco Control Act, significant strides have been made. Dr Hafsa Lukwata, Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Alcohol Control, highlighted one key achievement:

“Previously, the age of initiation for daily smoking was 17. Today, it has increased to 20. That is a positive shift. If we maintain this trend, we shall meet the international target of reducing tobacco use by 30 per cent,” she said.

The Ministry of Health is now calling for greater investment in public awareness campaigns on the dangers of tobacco consumption.

According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), tobacco use rates are as follows: Karamoja at 16.5 per cent, West Nile at 9 per cent, Kampala at 0.9 per cent, and Buganda South at 2.2 per cent. However, some experts are questioning these figures, citing a visible increase in the use of substances such as shisha, particularly in urban areas.

Health Minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, revealed that Uganda loses an estimated 4,807 people annually to smoking-related illnesses, equivalent to 13 deaths per day.

“Although smoking rates appear to be declining, mortality remains high. This suggests that reducing tobacco use is a critical intervention for tackling non-communicable diseases,” Dr Aceng stated at the committee inauguration.

“Drug addiction is spreading like wildfire in schools, universities, and even homes,” she warned. “While implementation progress is low, smoking-related deaths remain alarmingly high. Sensitisation is more important than ever.”

Dr Suraj Man Shrestha, Programme Management Officer at WHO Uganda, noted that while Uganda has made commendable progress in legislation, translating policy into action remains a challenge. (Credit: John Musenze)

Dr Suraj Man Shrestha, Programme Management Officer at WHO Uganda, noted that while Uganda has made commendable progress in legislation, translating policy into action remains a challenge. He attributed this to limited resources and enforcement capacity at both national and sub-national levels.

“WHO is proud of Uganda’s progress in controlling tobacco and substance use, especially with the anti-public smoking laws,” said Dr Shrestha. “As a parent, I feel safer for my three children—the environment is now relatively smoke-free. WHO is ready to support Uganda in achieving the 2030 target.”

The committee shall hold office for a period of three years and is eligible for re-appointment for one more term.