Tobacco companies frustrating Bill, says MP

By Vision Reporter

The mover of the Tobacco Control Bill in parliament, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has expressed concern over tobacco companies which have started up on a move to frustrate the Bill which has already passed the first reading.

The legislator says he received a letter from one of the companies threatening to stop their operations with farmers and some have gone as far as bribing legislators to block the process.

He reiterates the need for the Bill to protect people's health because many have died of tobacco related illness and spending lots of money on treatment leaving them in absolute poverty.

Research conducted by Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa indicates that 13,500 people die of tobacco related diseases every year.