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Uganda urged to increase tobacco tax to reduce consumption

2 October 2024, 12:23 am

Byamukama Alozious

Today, the Uganda Health Communication Alliance organized a media orientation on tobacco taxation, where renowned tobacco advocate, Mebal Kukunda, emphasized the need for Uganda to increase its tobacco tax.

Georgine Obwana from Uganda health communication alliance talking to Journalists

Currently, Uganda’s tobacco tax structure stands at 35% of the total retail price of cigarettes, significantly lower than the Advocacy Forum for Tobacco Control’s recommended minimum of 70%. This low tax rate not only loses critical revenue for the country but also fails to deter tobacco consumption, contributing to increased cases of heart diseases, cancers, and other health issues.

Experts argue that higher tobacco taxes can lead to reduced consumption, particularly among youth and low-income populations. The last tax increase on cigarettes was implemented in 2017.

Key stakeholders involved include Uganda National Health Users/Consumers’ Organisation, Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa, Uganda Cancer Society, Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance, Uganda Health Communication Alliance, United Nations Association of Uganda, and Way Forward Youth Africa.

Richard Baguma, National coordinator of Uganda Health Communication Alliance, appealed to the media to champion the cause by highlighting the devastating effects of tobacco. “We urge the media to join us in this fight by shedding light on the harmful consequences of tobacco consumption,” Baguma said.

Richard Baguma speaking to Journalists after the orientation

Today’s orientation, held at Ministers Village Hotel in Ntinda, stressed the importance of addressing the issue of low tobacco taxation to protect public health and generate revenue.