Smoking In Public Places: The Legal Framework In Uganda

ABSTRACT

The research project analyses the efficacy of the ban on smoking in public places in Uganda as well as institutional efficacy in the same context. In response to the threat of public smoking on public health in Uganda which has been continuous, enactment of different laws to attempt to ensure that there is compliance with such laws. Thus there are several institutions that have been established in the attempt to ensure that the law is properly and effectively implemented. However despite the existence of such laws and institutions, Ugandans continue to inhale tobacco smoke. The study therefore explores the legal and institutional efficacy as well as the challenges that hinder the realization of the right to a tobacco smoke free environment through an examination of the scope of the right, legal framework, institutional framework in context of practical experience from just viewing it, in regard to provisions of the law. The study thus recommends several legal administrative and other measures for the realization of the ban and institutional efficacy on smoking in public places in Uganda

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

DECLARATION .......................................................................................................... i 

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................ ii 

DEDICATION ........................................................................................................... iii 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................... iv 

LIST OF LEGISLATIONS ............................................................................................. v 

THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ....................................................................... vi 

LIST OF CASES ....................................................................................................... vii 

ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................ viii 

DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS ...................................................................................... ix 

ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................. xiv 

CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................... 1 

1.1. Introduction ................................................................................................... 1 

1.2. Background to the study ................................................................................. 2 

1.2.0. Historical background .................................................................................. 2 

1.3. Problem Statement ........................................................................................ 10 

1.4. Justification of the study ................................................................................ 11 

1.5. Objectives of the Study .................................................................................. 12 

1.6. Research questions ........................................................................................ 12 

1. 7. Scope of the study ........................................................................................ 12 

1.8. Hypothesis .................................................................................................... 13 

1.9. Methodology ................................................................................................. 13 

1.10. Literature review ......................................................................................... 14 

1.11. Arrangement of Chapters ............................................................................. 17 

CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................... u 19 

2.0. THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK REGULATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES IN 

UGANDA .............................................................................................................. 19 

2.1. The legal framework on smoking in Uganda .................................................... 20 

2.1.1. The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda ......................................... 21 

2.1.2. National Environment Act ............................................................................ 23 

2.1.3. The Tobacco Control Act ............................................................................. 29 

2.1.4. The Penal Code Act .................................................................................... 31 

2.1.5. The Uganda Railway Corporation Act ........................................................... 31 

2.1.6. The Excise Tariff (amendment) Act 2008 ..................................................... 31 

2.1. 7. The National Drug Policy and Authority Act .................................................. 32 

2.1.8. The Public Health Act .................................................................................. 32 

2.1.9. The National Environment (Control of Smoking in Public Places) Regulations, 

2004 ···················································································································33 

2.2. International Instruments .............................................................................. 39 

2.2.1. The World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control 

2003 ···················································································································39 

2.2.2. The Declaration of the United Nations on the human environment, Stockholm 

1972 ................................................................................................................... 40 

2.2.3. Agenda 21 Programme of Action for sustainable development.. .................... .41 

2.2.4. Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products 2013 ......................... .42 

2.2.5. The African Charter on Human and People's Rights ..................................... .42 

2.3. Conclusion ................................................................................................... .43 

CHAPTER THREE: THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONTROL OF 

PUBLIC SMOKING IN UGANDA ....................................................................... 44 

3.0. Introduction ................................................................................................. .44 

3.1. National Environmental Management Authority .............................................. .44 

3.2. The Tobacco Control Committee .................................................................... .45 

3.3. The Ministry of Health .................................................................................. .46 

3.4. Police Force ................................................................................................. .48 

3.5. The Judiciary ................................................................................................ .48 

3.6. Non-state Actors .......................................................................................... .49 

3.7. Conclusion .................................................................................................... 50 

CHAPTER FOUR: THE FACTORS AND CHALLENGES RELATING TO PUBLIC 

SMOKING IN UGANDA .................................................................................... 52 

4.0. Introduction .................................................................................................. 52 

4.1. Factors relating to Public Smoking in Uganda .................................................. 52 

4.1.1. Tobacco Industry Interference .................................................................... 52 

4.1.2. Inadequate Laws ........................................................................................ 53 

4.1.3. Level of Sensitization .................................................................................. 54 

4.1.4. Lack of alternative Livelihoods ..................................................................... 55 

4.1.5. Accessibility ................................................................................................ 55 

4.1.6. Affordability ............................................................................................... 55 

4.1.7. Addiction .................................................................................................... 56 

4.2. Challenges relating to public Smoking in Uganda ............................................. 56 

4.2.1. Inadequate Resources and Funds ................................................................ 56 

4.2.2. Cost as to Litigation .................................................................................... 57 

4.2.3. Lack of Public Awareness ............................................................................ 57 

4.2.4. Tobacco Industry Interference .................................................................... 58 

4.2.5. Overwhelmed Obligations ........................................................................... 58 

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND 

RECOMMENDATION ........................................................................................ 60 

5.0. Introduction .................................................................................................. 60 

5.1. Summary of Findings ..................................................................................... 60 

5.2. Conclusion .................................................................................................... 64 

5.3. Recommendations ......................................................................................... 65 

REFERENCES .......................................................................................................... 68