On Thursday March 6, 2014, The Tobacco Control Bill, 2014 was tabled before the Parliament of Uganda for the first reading. The Bill was presented by Hon Chris Baryomunsi, MP Kinkizi West, and seconded by Hon. David Bahati, MP Ndorwa West. It is a private member’s bill that is supported by the Ministry of Health and other tobacco control partners under the Tobacco Control Coordination Mechanism.
In his submission, Hon. Baryomunsi, who was greatly applauded by his fellow MPs, noted that the bill seeks to regulate the manufacture, sale, labeling, promotion, advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, and the distribution and public use of tobacco products. It also seeks to protect the right to health and the right to life as fundamental human rights.
Hon. Baryomunsi also presented a certificate of financial implications from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. He stressed that the Bill is not aimed at banning tobacco growing but provides for protecting the health of the populati on and ensure protection of minors; Ensure that the population is adequately informed about the risks of tobacco use, ensure that tobacco products and tobacco industry practices are regulated, protect the environment from degradation caused by tobacco related activities; and protect and promote the interests of tobacco growers by promoting economically viable alternative livelihoods.
In the house, the bill was overwhelmingly supported by members of parliament. Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga referred it to the Health committee for further scrutiny. The Committee is expected to review the bill, consult with all the concerned parties, and report back within 45 days, for the second reading.
Earlier, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi held a joint press conference with the Ministry of Health and other members of the Tobacco
CTCA Manager, Possy Mugyenyi, speaking at the Joint press conference before the Bill was tabled
In a great show of solidarity, members of the Tobacco Control Coordination Forum turned up in big numbers in the parliamentary gallery to witness the historical event.