By Kabuye Ronald
The Uganda Tobacco Taxation Coalition (UTTC), a coalition of seven public health organizations, has called on the government to take immediate and decisive action to curb the growing threat posed by the tobacco industry. The coalition’s plea centers around several key areas, including the urgent adoption of the Illicit Trade Protocol (ITP) to tackle illegal tobacco trade, reinforce enforcement of tobacco regulations, and hold the industry accountable for its continued violations of the Tobacco Control Act, 2015.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition Moses Talibita, the Civil Society Representative on the Tobacco Control Committee, said despite the existing tobacco control laws, for over the past seven years, there has been no significant increase in tobacco taxes, allowing the industry to continue its harmful practices unchecked. The coalition is particularly concerned about the ongoing influence of the tobacco industry on policymakers and its efforts to undermine the Tobacco Control Act, which bans tobacco advertising, marketing, and the sale of unregulated products.
“Over the years, the tobacco industry has been actively working to weaken the enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act, 2015. This includes lobbying MPs to reduce the effectiveness of the law and promoting products like e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn devices, which they claim are ‘safer’ alternatives,” said Moses Talibita on behalf of UTTC. “These tactics are not only misleading the public but also jeopardizing public health.”
Among their key demands, UTTC is urging the government to fast-track the adoption of the Illicit Trade Protocol (ITP) to strengthen efforts against the illegal tobacco trade, which continues to thrive despite existing laws. The coalition also calls for stricter enforcement of regulations regarding the sale and distribution of tobacco products that fail to display clear health warnings, an issue that remains prevalent in the market.
Furthermore, Georgine Obwana from the Uganda Health Communication Alliance UHCA, said that UTTC is pushing for enhanced transparency from the tobacco industry. She urged the government to ensure that the tobacco sector complies with mandatory reporting requirements and that all marketing and sponsorship activities are fully disclosed to regulators. She asserts that this would help close the regulatory loopholes that have allowed the tobacco industry to operate with limited oversight.
Another crucial area of concern is the tobacco industry’s continued exploitation of digital platforms for advertising and promotion. UTTC is calling on the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to take immediate action to restrict tobacco product advertisements and campaigns on the internet, holding violators accountable.
The coalition also expressed grave concerns over the increasing availability of banned tobacco products, such as Oris, which blatantly flouts regulations on descriptors, branding, and packaging. UTTC has conducted spot checks revealing that these illegal products are openly sold in various markets, further undermining tobacco control efforts.
“The tobacco industry’s interference with public health policies has been ongoing, and it is becoming more sophisticated,” said Mable Kukunda Musinguzi, a programs officer at Uganda National Health Consumers’ Organisation UNHCO. “The industry’s tactics including lobbying, misleading research on alternative products, and promoting illicit trade are a direct threat to the public health of Ugandans. We must not allow the industry to dictate policy or mislead the public with deceptive claims.”
The Uganda Tobacco Taxation Coalition’s call to action aims to strengthen the country’s tobacco control measures and protect citizens from the harmful impacts of tobacco use, particularly as the industry continues to push for loopholes in the law and prioritize profits over public health.
As Uganda grapples with the health consequences of tobacco consumption, UTTC reminded government that for every one dollar it gets from the tobacco industry, it spends 4 dollars in treating tobacco related illness.
