Gov’t orders enforcement of tobacco ban, leaders wary of political timing

Violators to face fines between Shs200,000 and Shs480 million or imprisonment up to five years, depending on the severity of the offense.

Apac, Uganda: The government has ordered an immediate nationwide crackdown on tobacco use and sales, directing all Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), and local government leaders to enforce the Tobacco Control Act, 2015, without fear or favour.

In a circular dated November 4, 2025, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja instructed district authorities to prioritize enforcement of the law, citing growing concerns over the rising consumption of tobacco products across the country.

“Government remains committed to protecting the health of Ugandans. District leaders are hereby instructed to ensure full enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act without fear or favour,” Nabbanja’s circular read.

The directive calls for joint action between RDCs, CAOs, and development partners to sensitize communities and ensure compliance among traders and consumers.

What the Tobacco Control Act Provides

Enacted in 2015, the Tobacco Control Act regulates the manufacture, sale, and consumption of tobacco products in Uganda. The law aims to protect citizens from the health, social, and economic effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke.

Key provisions include: a ban on smoking in public places, including bars, schools, offices, and public transport, a prohibition on advertising, promotion, or sponsorship of tobacco products, a restriction on sales to persons under 21 years, mandatory health warnings covering at least 65% of packaging and regulation of tobacco farming and importation with strict licensing.

Violators face fines between Shs200,000 and Shs480 million or imprisonment up to five years, depending on the severity of the offense.

Leaders Welcome Move but Fault Timing

While district leaders have welcomed the renewed focus on public health, several have questioned the timing of enforcement, warning it could be politically sensitive as Uganda moves into an election period.

Mr Andrew Onyuk, the Resident District Commissioner of Apac, said implementing the crackdown during campaigns could be misinterpreted by the public. “We appreciate the intent behind the directive, but enforcing such a law during an election period could be politically misread. People may see it as harassment rather than a health measure,” Onyuk told DailyExpress.

Similarly, Apac District LCV Chairperson, Mr Odongo Asanti, said the law had remained dormant for years and reactivating it now could fuel unnecessary tension. “This law has been idle for long. We support its enforcement, but with political temperatures high, enforcement might be perceived as targeting certain groups,” he said.

Mixed Public Reactions

The directive has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some smokers claiming government is infringing on personal freedoms, while others applaud the decision as overdue.

Mr Joseph Okello, a boda-boda rider and smoker in Apac Town, criticized the move: “I know smoking is bad, but it’s my right to choose what to do with my life. The government should educate us, not punish us.”

However, Dr James Odongo, the Apac District Health Officer, praised the Prime Minister’s intervention, saying tobacco use continues to cause silent but widespread deaths. “Every year, thousands of Ugandans die from tobacco-related illnesses. Enforcing this law will save lives and reduce the burden on our health system,” Dr Odongo said.

Public health experts say while the directive is commendable, its success will depend on sustained awareness campaigns, adequate funding, and consistent enforcement across districts.

Mr Denis Obote, a policy analyst with a local civil society group, noted that punitive measures alone cannot reduce tobacco use. “What we need is not just enforcement but education. People must understand why the law exists. Without community sensitization, the Act will remain symbolic,” he said.

Uganda’s Tobacco Burden

According to the Ministry of Health, tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable deaths in Uganda, contributing to heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 8,000 Ugandans die annually due to tobacco-related diseases, with millions more exposed to secondhand smoke. Despite the existence of the 2015 law, enforcement has remained weak, largely due to limited funding, inadequate public awareness, and competing local government priorities.

The Prime Minister’s latest directive, analysts say, signals renewed political will to reverse the trend, but its impact will depend on how local leaders navigate enforcement during a heated election period.