Authorities in Kisoro Municipality have raised concern over the growing trend of people smoking cigarettes and marijuana in public, warning that the practice threatens public health and poses a fire hazard.
The warning follows reports from residents of people openly smoking along Kivengeri Street, the slums of Rasha, the Mayor’s Garden, and even along the busy Kisoro–Bunagana road. Officials say second-hand smoke endangers non-smokers and increases the risk of fires, particularly near petrol stations and vehicles.
Kisoro Municipality Health Inspector, Acar Moses, condemned the act, saying his office has received several complaints of individuals turning public roads into smoking zones.
He noted that the practice is not only exposing innocent residents to harmful chemicals linked to heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses, but also damaging green spaces and flowers, which smokers use as hideouts.
“This habit is destroying our environment and endangering lives. We shall apply legal measures to curb the vice and address addiction,” Acar warned.
CUE IN ACAR…..ON THE MATTER…..ENG//
The LC1 Chairperson of Karumena Village, Central Ward, Daudi Line, urged smokers to desist from the habit in public, advising them to instead use private spaces. He also criticized parents who allow their homes to serve as smoking dens, saying such practices expose children to early addiction.
CUE IN DAUDI….ON SMOKING……RR//
Under the Uganda Tobacco Control Act, 2015, smoking in public places is prohibited. The law provides for penalties, including a fine of up to Shs 200,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, for anyone found guilty of violating the regulation.
