October 8, 2012 – The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has once again reiterated her commitment to ensuring that the country gets a comprehensive tobacco control legislation as soon as possible.
This was during a sensitization seminar for members of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases ( NCDS), held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. The Speaker who was represented by the Chairperson of the health Committee said that Parliament will do everything possible to ensure that the Bill is passed into law before the end of 2012. She also hailed the efforts of the NCD Forum to ensure that NCDs are prioritised in all government departments so as to adequately address the related problems.
The Chairperson of the Health Committee Hon. Sam Lyomoki pledged to ensure that the Bill goes through all the necessary stages so that it can become law as soon as it is tabled in parliament.
The WHO representative to Uganda, Dr. J. Saweka hailed the establishment of the Parliamentary Forum on NCDs ( PFNCDs) which he said will go a long way in creating a conducive environment for NCD prevention and care. He said WHO is available to provide the necessary technical guidance on what to do and how to do it and encouraged the MPs to continue with their advocacy efforts for better service delivery and increased resources for the Health sector.
Dr. Gerald Mutungi, the Ministry of Health NCD Program Manager clarified that although the Bill is to be tabled by a private member, the MoH is providing all the necessary technical guidance and that the MP is working closely with the Health Minister, Hon. Christine Ondoa. He said the Ministry of health has developed a supportive policy and that both the Bill and the Policy have been taken through the necessary stages of the Ministry of Health. The Tobacco Control Bill 2012 is due to be tabled in Parliament by Hon. Chris Baryomunsi.
Jenninah Kabiswa, CTCA’s Capacity Development Specialist took the MPs through the various provisions of the Tobacco Control Bill 2012. She said Uganda signed and ratified the WHO FCTC in 2005 and 2007 respectively and is therefore obliged to have a comprehensive Tobacco Control Act by end of 2012. She added that a comprehensive Law is a proven strategy to protect and promote public health. She applauded the NCD Forum for their continued support and pledged the Centre’s commitment to providing the necessary technical assistance through the Ministry of Health.
The advocacy meeting was organised by the NCD Forum with support from WHO Uganda Country Office. It was attended by over forty MPs.