Kampala, 1st June 2016 - As Uganda marked the World No Tobacco Day 2016, the major highlight of the event was the formal launch of the Tobacco Control Act 2015 at a function presided over by the Minister of Health Dr Elioda Tumwesigye representing the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda.

Uganda’s Tobacco Control law is arguably the most comprehensive on the growing, production, sale, adverting, promotion and consumption of tobacco products and is in fulfillment of Uganda’s obligation and commitment as a party to the WHO the Frame Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). In line with this year’s theme “Get ready for plan Packaging”, Uganda’s law provides for pictorial health warnings which is precedent for the implementation of the plain packaging in the East African Sub-region. 

In remarks delivered by Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye, Dr Rugunda promised full implementation of the law and advised all Uganda to familiarize themselves with it so that they are not caught on the wrong side of the law. He urged the media to partner with the Ministry of Health and other partners to disseminate the law throughout the country. 

Dr. Ruhakana lamented that, the high morbidity and mortality in the country due to the double burden to diseases adding that tobacco consumption had significantly added to this burden. He mentioned the increased incidence of throat, lung and esophagus cancers recorded at the Uganda Cancer Institute almost all associated with tobacco consumption.  He further said that the cost of treating and caring for these patients puts a heavy financial and social burden on patients, their families and the nation. In his capacity as Minister of Health, Dr Tumwesigye applauded the President of Uganda H.E. Yoweri Museveni who not only assented to the Tobacco Control Act but also leads a healthy and active lifestyle which all Ugandans should emulate

The Minister of State for Health Dr Chris Baryomunsi who moved the Tobacco Control Bill as a private member’s bill before he become minister called this year’s commemoration a special one especially as it marked the formal launch of the law. He recounted the challenges he went through occasioned by the Tobacco Industry and was happy to note that finally public health has prevailed.

The WHO Country Representative Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu  congratulate Uganda on passing the Tobacco Control Act into law, noting that it will go a long way in tackling the health challenges of tobacco consumption. On this year’s theme, Dr. Alemu reiterated the need for plain packaging saying it is an evidence-based measure that protects public health and will save many lives. He also advised that plain packaging should be used in conjunction with other interventions as part of a comprehensive multisectoral approach to tobacco control.

WHO provided technical support on the development of the Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the advocacy for its implementation.

WHO refers to plain packaging of tobacco products as the prohibition of the use of logos, colours, brand images or promotional information on tobacco packaging other than brand names and product names displayed in a standard colour and font style.  Evidence shows that plain packaging  reduces the attractiveness of tobacco products, restricts use of tobacco packaging as a form of tobacco advertising and promotion, limits misleading packaging and labelling, and increases the effectiveness of health warnings.

The function was attended by government officials from other sectors, Civil Society Organisations, law enforcement officers, the media, academia and partners.
 

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Below:

Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye launches the Tobacco Control Act 2015 on behalf of the Prime Minister of Uganda

Partners of the Ministry of Health and WHO at the World No Tobacco Day breakfast meeting