BAT calls for amendments to the tobacco Bill
Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa manager Possy Mugyenyi appears before the Parliamentary Committee on Health on Wednesday. PHOTO BY GEOFFREY SSERUYANGE
What you need to know:
Members of the civil society on Wednesday, among others, backed a clause in the Bill requiring smokers to walk 100 metres away from any non-smokers if they are to smoke on public roads and in open public place
KAMPALA-The British American Tobacco (BAT) Uganda yesterday backed the controversial Tobacco Control Bill, 2014, but called for amendments to some of the clauses to cater for the interests of all the concerned parties.
Responding at length to concerns by civil society, non-governmental organisations and sections of the public who want the Bill passed in its current form, Mr Jonathan D’Souza, the BAT Uganda managing director through a statement to the Daily Monitor, acknowledged that whereas tobacco consumption poses real risks to health, the law must be all inclusive.
“Tobacco consumption poses real risks to health, and we agree that tobacco products should be regulated in appropriate ways,” said Mr D’Souza.
Interests of all
“We support effective, evidence-based regulation that meets public health objectives and takes into account the interests of all the impacted parties including farmers, retailers, distributors, shareholders, consumers and the industry.”
Members of the civil society on Wednesday, among others, backed a clause in the Bill requiring smokers to walk 100 metres away from any non-smokers if they are to smoke on public roads and in open public places.
