Health experts sound alarm over weak tobacco taxes Uganda’s standing as a regional leader in tobacco control is beginning to show signs of strain, and health advocates say the warning signs are too serious to ignore. A new report released in Kampala last week has placed the country 10th out of 100 nations on the 2025 Tobacco Industry Interference Index, a drop from 7th place in 2023. On paper, Uganda still ranks among the stronger performers. But behind that position lies a growing concern: the country’s hard-won progress could be slipping. For those working in public health, the implications are immediate. “This rating is a red flag,” said Kigulu South MP Milton Muwuma, pointing to the gap between legislation and reality. Uganda has long been praised for its legal framework, including the Tobacco Control Act of 2015 and earlier commitments under the World Health Organization’s tobacco treaty. But nearly a decade on, enforcement remains uneven. The result, experts say, is a system that looks strong on paper but struggles in practice. At the centre of the debate is taxation. Health advocates argue that tobacco products in Uganda remain too affordable, especially for young people. Robinah Kaitiritimba, Executive Director of the Uganda National Health Consumers’ Organisation (UNHCO), dismissed earlier proposals to raise taxes by 10 per cent as ineffective. “A 10 percent increase is negligible,” she said. “It does not prevent consumption… We need bold tax reforms that make tobacco products less affordable.” The argument is grounded in evidence. Higher prices, research shows, are one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking, particularly among first- time users. When costs rise, fewer young people start, and more smokers cut back or quit. But the issue goes beyond pricing. Advocates warn that tobacco companies continue to exert pressure on policy, shaping decisions in ways that weaken regulation. That influence, they say, is now one of the biggest threats to public health. “Industry interference remains the single greatest threat to tobacco control,” said public health advocate Slyveria Aloch, urging stronger safeguards to protect existing laws. Lawmakers are also beginning to frame the issue in economic terms. Bukooli South MP Peter Okeyoh argued that the country may be underestimating the long-term cost of tobacco use. Treating diseases such as cancer and heart conditions, he said, ultimately drains far more resources than the industry generates in revenue. “When you compare the revenue… with the cost of treatment, it becomes clear that we are losing more than we gain,” he said, calling for tax increases of up to 50 per cent. For some, the stakes feel even higher. “We are facing a battle for the future of our nation,” said advocate Richard Baguma, warning that the industry is increasingly targeting young people. The question now is whether Uganda will act, or risk watching its progress unravel.The post Health experts sound alarm over weak tobacco taxes appeared first on The Observer.