Smoking in Uganda
In Uganda, as of 2022, the prevalence of tobacco smoking among individuals aged 15 years and older was estimated to be 4.1%, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). This figure indicates a slight decline from 4.7% in 2020 and significantly lower than the 8% reported in 2019. This prevalence varied by gender, with 7% of males and 1.1% of females smoking. In terms of absolute numbers, there are approximately 1,042,276 smokers in Uganda as of 2022, down from 1,107,586 in 2020 and 1,814,091 in 2019. The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2017 was 6.7%, with a prevalence of 7.7% among males and 2.1% among females. Smoking-related mortality data from 2021 indicate that smoking accounted for 5,284 deaths, with males experiencing a higher burden (3,838 deaths) compared to females (1,447 deaths). This indicates that smoking-related deaths constituted 2.09% of all male deaths and 1% of all female deaths in the country. These figures highlight the burden of health impacts of smoking in Uganda, requiring more effective public health interventions.
Read articles from Uganda
September 02, 2024 by chimpreports.com
Gov’t Urged to Revise Tobacco Control Act 2016
THR Uganda urges the Ugandan government to amend the Tobacco Control Act to provide solutions for smokers wanting to quit. A survey in Lira and Bukedea districts revealed high percentages of smokers with health issues and difficulty quitting. Most smokers started at a young age and struggle to stop despite awareness of risks. The current law lacks support for addicted individuals, with 90% of users stating it didn't help them quit. THR Uganda advocates for empathetic help and safer nicotine alternatives. The CEO emphasizes the urgency, citing cigarette-related deaths as a significant concern in Uganda.
June 08, 2023 by african.business
Electronic-cigarettes ban, a critical tool in Uganda’s battle against tobacco use
In the face of consistent opposition from the tobacco industry, Uganda is standing firm on its successful eight-year long ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), says World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam.
The Tobacco Control Act, 2015 sought to effectively remove this globally popular tobacco alternative to smoking cigarettes from public life. Current evidence indicates that using e-cigarettes is dangerous, especially for young people and people who have never smoked. This is especially significant, says Dr. Yonas, for a country in which over 15% of boys and 13% of girls aged 13 to 15 start smoking every year.
March 03, 2020 by theeastafrican.co.ke
BAT Uganda wants ban on e-cigarettes lifted
British American Tobacco Uganda has asked the government to lift a ban on e-cigarettes as it seeks growth opportunities in a tough business environment.
“We are in talks with the regulator of the tobacco industry to see if the law can be reviewed,” Mathu Kiunjuri, the managing director of BAT Uganda, said at a briefing at the Uganda Securities Exchange on Tuesday.