Empowering Youth Voices in Tobacco Control Through Effective Taxation Policies

On September 17th, 2024, the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNAU) brought together youth from its various university chapters for a crucial engagement on tobacco control. The event, titled “Empowering Youth Voices in Tobacco Control Through Effective Taxation Policies,” aimed to raise awareness about the tobacco industry’s deceptive strategies while empowering young people to take an active role in advocating for stronger tobacco control measures through tobacco taxes.

The participants engaged in dynamic breakout sessions where they brainstormed strategies for campaigns designed to expose the harmful tactics of the tobacco industry. These sessions focused on how to effectively raise awareness about tobacco-related risks both in person and through digital platforms. The discussions also delved into the importance of countering the myths perpetuated by tobacco companies, particularly those aimed at targeting youth with enticing products such as e-cigarettes and shisha.

Mr. Agaba Aziz, a representative from the Uganda National Consumers’ Organization, was among the key speakers. He provided an insightful overview of the current Tobacco Control Law in Uganda, examining its successes and challenges in implementation. Despite the progress made, he emphasized that the tobacco industry continues to target young people with products designed to appeal to them in social settings, often disregarding public health concerns and legal restrictions. Participants shared observations about how tobacco products were easily accessible in various locations, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of regulations.

Mr. Agaba commended the efforts of UNAU and the participating students for their commitment to becoming advocates in the fight against tobacco use. He underscored the importance of taxation as a tool to curb tobacco consumption, particularly among young people. Higher taxes on tobacco products, he explained, would reduce their affordability, thus limiting access and lowering demand. This, in turn, would contribute to reducing the government’s healthcare costs associated with treating tobacco-related illnesses, which far exceed the revenue generated from the tobacco industry.

In his closing remarks, the UNAU Secretary-General, Baguma Richard, emphasized the pervasiveness of smoking, noting that even non-smokers are often affected through secondhand smoke from family members and peers. He urged the youth to take charge of their own health by avoiding tobacco use, pointing out the addictive nature of nicotine and the dangers posed by the numerous harmful chemicals found in tobacco products. He also shared a thought-provoking analogy, highlighting that even snakes avoid tobacco due to its toxicity. “If a snake knows the harm in tobacco, shouldn’t we as human beings act smarter?” he asked.

The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to Kyambogo University and its UNAU chapter for hosting the event and for their active involvement in promoting public health initiatives.

In conclusion, tobacco use remains a leading cause of non-communicable diseases and places a significant burden on Uganda’s healthcare system. Tobacco taxes, therefore, are a powerful tool for promoting public health and reducing consumption, particularly among the youth. By advocating for higher taxes, UNAU and its partners are playing a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of future generations and advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The creation of this youth tobacco control platform is more than just a milestone; it lays a solid foundation for empowering youth champions to rise and amplify their voices against the harmful tactics of the tobacco and nicotine industries, serving as a vital space where young people can learn about the dangers of tobacco use while engaging in peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, fostering a well-informed generation committed to tobacco control in Uganda.

By Kalema Andrew Arnold