Kampala-Uganda: The Parliamentary Committee on health has commenced the debate on the Tobacco Control Bill 2014, tabled by Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, MP Kinkizi West. The Bill that seeks to protect the right to health and the right to life as fundamental human rights was tabled in Parliament on April 6, 2014 for the first reading. The Committee was charged by the Speaker of Parliament to scrutinise the Bill and make the necessary recommendations.
On April 9, the Committee met with the supporters of the Bill who presented a justification for the Bill. Members of the Committee noted that considering the health hazards due to tobacco, there is need to provide for 100% smoke free environments as a way of discouraging smokers and protecting none smokers from the dangers of Second Hand Smoke. The Committee members stressed the need for government and Tobacco control Advocates to create awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco and to try and identify a viable alternative for the farmers.
The Committee Chairman Dr. Kenneth Omona called for a total ban on tobacco use, adding that this would fulfil the right of Ugandans to life, a healthy and clean environment.
According to WHO, exposure to tobacco use is one of the four main behavioral risk factors that contribute to None Communicable Diseases ( NCDs.) In Uganda, NCDs are estimated to account for 25 % of all deaths, a figure, which the law makers think would tremendously come down with the ban on tobacco use.
The Committee has also heard from the key Ministries related to tobacco including Health, Trade and Agriculture. Minister of State for Health (Primary Health Care) – Dr. Opendi Ochieng Sarah
MPs on the Health Committee at the TC Bill 2014 hearing