The Kabale District Health Department has reported a slight decline in cases of public smoking and open display of cigarettes among shops in Kabale Municipality.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday night during the second joint enforcement operation to uphold the Tobacco Control Act of 2015, Oliver Namanya, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Environmental Health, said there has been a noticeable reduction in the number of people smoking in public and displaying cigarettes compared to similar operations conducted in 2023 and 2024.
The operation, conducted by the Kabale District Health Office in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, led to the arrest of four individuals caught smoking in public including one person displaying cigarettes for sale.
Namanya attributed the decline to ongoing community sensitization campaigns about the dangers of tobacco use and the penalties for violating the law.
He, however, cautioned bar and restaurant owners who are still defying the guidelines to comply or face arrest and prosecution.
CUE IN NAMANYA…..ON THE MATTER….RR/ENG//
On Friday, ten other people were also arrested for violating Article 12 of the Tobacco Control Act by smoking in public areas, including corridors and behind bars, contrary to the law, which restricts smoking to at least 50 meters away from the public.
Enacted in 2015, the Tobacco Control Act prohibits smoking in public places, public transport, and open spaces. Offenders risk fines of up to 20 currency points or imprisonment for up to six months upon conviction.
The law aims to protect the public and environment from the harmful effects of tobacco and secondhand smoke, and to reduce tobacco-related illnesses and deaths.
