As part of a broader strategy to protect young Ugandans from the dangers of New and Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products (NENTPs), the Ministry of Health (MoH), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), held a groundbreaking workshop in Kampala from September 5-6, 2024. The initiative brought together student leaders from seven Universities in Uganda to discuss the enforcement of Uganda’s Tobacco Control Act 2015, control of tobacco-related harm & its control which includes a ban on NENTPs.

This workshop, which marked the start of a long-term anti-tobacco campaign, aimed to sensitize university student leaders/champions with the knowledge and skills to counteract the aggressive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry, especially its focus on targeting youth through social media platforms.

Globally, tobacco use is responsible for over 8 million deaths annually, with 1.3 million of these caused by exposure to second-hand smoke while in Uganda, 19.7% of youth are exposed to passive smoke at home and 30% in public places. NENTPs, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches, have emerged as the latest threat to public health. These products are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional tobacco, but they pose health risks, particularly to young people.

“The introduction of these products into the market is a major setback in our fight against tobacco use,” said Dr. Hafsa Lukwata, Acting Assistant Commissioner Mental Health and Focal person Tobacco Control, MoH. “The flavours and modern packaging appeal to youth, making them an easy target. We are committed to enforcing the ban on smokeless tobacco, waterpipe tobacco and NENTPs, but we cannot do it alone. Our youth leaders must be at the forefront of this fight.”

Universities play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and attitudes of young people, and the Ministry of Health’s decision to engage student leaders is strategic. 27 student leaders from universities like Makerere, Kyambogo, Nkumba, Islamic University in Uganda, Cavendish, and Kampala International University were trained to become champions of tobacco control.

“This workshop has opened our eyes to the evolving tactics and emerging products of the tobacco industry,” said Joy Eve Serunjogi, Guild President of Makerere University. “We're now better prepared to educate our peers about the dangers of banned products, including smokeless tobacco, waterpipe tobacco and NENTPs and support the ban, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all students.”

The student leaders were encouraged to develop tailored anti-tobacco campaigns to be implemented within their respective institutions. These campaigns will focus on raising awareness of the dangers of the banned products, promoting smoke-free environments, and challenging the tobacco industry’s misleading marketing.

Dr. Ranti Fayokun Scientist, at WHO Headquarters commended the student leaders for stepping up to take on this critical challenge. “Uganda is a beacon of hope in the fight against tobacco in Africa,” she said. “But we cannot let our guard down. Tobacco and related industries are constantly finding new ways to market their products to young people. It is heartening to see the youth take a stand and become part of the solution.”

The workshop emphasized the importance of collaboration, with WHO playing a key role in providing technical support and good practices from around the world. “This is not just about enforcing a law. It’s about protecting future generations from the harms of tobacco,” Dr. Fayokun added.

One of the major outcomes of the workshop was the establishment of a network of student anti-tobacco champions who will collaborate across universities to share knowledge, resources, and strategies. The student leaders will also engage with secondary school students to create a ripple effect in tobacco control education.

“This is just the beginning,” said Gbuor Caroline Walker, President of the Liberian Students Association at Cavendish University. “We are committed to spreading this message beyond our universities. The fight against tobacco is a collective effort, and we need everyone on board and coming together for this one cause is a step forward.”  

In a post-workshop assessment, students demonstrated a marked increase in their understanding of tobacco control laws and the health risks associated with NENTPs. Many expressed a renewed sense of responsibility to advocate for stronger enforcement of tobacco bans within their communities.

As Uganda strengthens its efforts to curb tobacco use, the involvement of student leaders is seen as a critical component of ensuring long-term success. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, will continue to support these student champions as they embark on their anti-tobacco campaigns. The hope is that this initiative will not only reduce the prevalence of tobacco use among young people but also inspire other African nations to follow suit.

The Ugandan Law, which is one of the strongest tobacco control laws, needs to be strictly enforced and youth can add their voices to ensure compliance with the law. The Ministry of Health and WHO are optimistic that by empowering university leaders, Uganda can become a model for tobacco control on the continent.