KABALE – In an effort to enforce the Tobacco Control Act, Kabale District authorities, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Police, apprehended four individuals caught smoking tobacco and Shisha within Kabale Municipality.
The crackdown, initiated on Saturday night, resulted in the arrest of these individuals as authorities conducted inspections at various locations to uphold the provisions of the Tobacco Act.
The recently enacted Tobacco Act establishes a 100% smoke-free policy in public areas, forbidding smoking within a 50-meter radius of such spaces. This legislation encompasses a broad ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, as well as the display of cigarette packs at the point of sale.
The operation commenced with surprise visits to bars along Keita Road in Kabale Town and Nkunda Road street, where the arrests took place. Particularly, at Mutoro’s Bar (formerly Pine Club), suspects were found violating the regulations by smoking. Additionally, illegal cigarettes were openly displayed for sale to the public.
Post-operation, the team extended its scrutiny to Monalisa Bar and then proceeded to inspect bars along Kigongi streets. The enforcement effort persisted, targeting various establishments to ensure widespread compliance with the implemented Tobacco Act.
Dr. Gilbert Mateeka, the Kabale District Health Officer, stressed the significance of this enforcement, asserting that it is timely in safeguarding individuals from the hazards of tobacco smoking, especially the risk of lung cancer.
He revealed that such operations will be conducted regularly.
As per the act, the sale of cigarettes in specific public places, including healthcare facilities, cinemas, police stations, prisons, and within 50 meters of educational institutions or places where children are cared for, is strictly prohibited.
Other key provisions of the act include: no sale of tobacco products to individuals under 21 years of age, no sale of duty-free tobacco products, and a comprehensive ban on shisha, electronic cigarettes, and chewable tobacco products.
