Effect of the tobacco control act on the tobacco value chain in Uganda

Abstract

This report seeks to understand the tobacco value chain in Uganda with emphasis on the key stakeholders for every phase in tandem with a study on how the enactment and implementation of the Tobacco Control Act, 2015 has affected them respectively. Face to face interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data using key informant interviews and discussions. From the study, it was found that the Tobacco Value Chain in Uganda is dominated by multinational companies such as Alliance One International and British American Tobacco. These firms continue to consistently challenge the Tobacco Control Act, 2015; a direction Uganda decided to take when She signed and ratified the World Health Organization convention on Tobacco Control in June 2007. Public health activists such as the Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa have and continue to stand their ground regarding control of tobacco use. This is especially so because of the public health and economic cost that arises from tobacco use. These regulations have brought about changes in the tobacco value chain to a point that many of the firms are considering exits which leaves the tobacco farmers in a quagmire. The study recommended the promotion of more comprehensive economic development initiatives, another would be to intentionally reduce costs associated with crop diversification efforts of the tobacco farmers. Also, for further discussion is whether Uganda has comparative advantage in the value chain enough to invest in research and development which will further inform better policy formulation of policies.