The Uganda Police Force has announced plans to intensify its efforts to enforce the Tobacco Control Act of 2015 in the West Nile region, following a successful awareness campaign in Gulu City. Dr. Enock Kabanda, the Uganda Police Mental Health Focal Point Person, shared the developments during a stakeholder meeting held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
The campaign, which initially focused on Gulu City, is now set to expand to West Nile, a region that has also been grappling with the challenges posed by tobacco consumption. Dr. Kabanda emphasized the urgency of addressing smoking-related public health issues, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers such as Arua City, Nebbi, and Adjumani.
“The enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act will not be limited to Gulu. West Nile is a priority area as well. We have trained police officers across the region to crack down on public smoking and ensure compliance with the law,” Dr. Kabanda stated.
He highlighted that the primary goal is to protect residents from the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoke, which have increasingly burdened local health systems.
West Nile, known for its vibrant trading hubs and cross-border activity, has seen a surge in tobacco use, particularly among the youth. Public spaces such as markets, transport hubs, and entertainment venues in towns like Arua and Koboko have become hotspots for smoking. This trend has raised concerns about the region's health and environmental safety.
Dr. Kabanda noted that the proliferation of tobacco-related diseases, including chronic respiratory illnesses and cancer, is a growing challenge in the region. The burden on local healthcare facilities, many of which already struggle with limited resources, has intensified.
“Tobacco consumption is not just a personal health issue; it affects entire communities. By enforcing the law, we aim to reduce this burden and improve public health outcomes,” he said.
While some residents have welcomed the crackdown, others have voiced concerns about potential infringements on personal freedoms. For instance, John Lokori, a trader in Arua City, argued that smoking is a personal choice.
“Why target us for smoking? There are bigger issues like unemployment and poor infrastructure that the government should focus on,” Lokori said.
On the other hand, community members like Susan Ajulu from Nebbi Town expressed support for the initiative, citing the pervasive nature of smoking in public areas.
“It’s about time something was done. Smoking in crowded places makes life unbearable, especially for children and non-smokers,” Ajulu said.
The Tobacco Control Act of 2015 aims to regulate tobacco consumption, limit public exposure to second-hand smoke, and safeguard the environment from the harmful effects of tobacco production. Police operations in West Nile will target individuals who flout the law, as well as businesses that fail to comply with regulations on tobacco sales and advertising.With the planned expansion to West Nile, authorities hope to curb the growing public health risks associated with tobacco use and create cleaner, healthier spaces for all. Dr. Kabanda called on residents and local leaders in the region to support the initiative, stressing that it is a collective effort to build a healthier future.
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