By Diana N.Kintu
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with HEPS Uganda, has launched a mandatory Declaration of No Conflict of Interest for members of the National Tobacco Control Committee, in a move aimed at safeguarding public health policy from undue industry influence.
The declaration, which is now a requirement for all committee members, is anchored in Section 19 of the Tobacco Control Act, 2015. It also aligns with Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a global public health treaty that calls on governments to protect health policies from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry.
Officials at the launch emphasised that the initiative marks a significant step in strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity within Uganda’s tobacco control framework. By signing the declaration, members of the committee formally commit to acting in the public interest and avoiding any direct or indirect engagement that could compromise their independence in policymaking.
Section 19 of the Act places a clear obligation on government institutions to shield public health programmes from interference by the tobacco industry. It further requires transparency in any interactions with tobacco-related entities and mandates that records of such engagements be made accessible to the public. This provision is widely regarded as a cornerstone in preventing conflicts of interest that could weaken tobacco control efforts.
The National Tobacco Control Committee brings together representatives from key government ministries and agencies, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to addressing tobacco use in the country. These include the Office of the Prime Minister, the Directorate of Health Services, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Other members include the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, the National Environment Management Authority, civil society organisations, and the National Focal Point Person for Tobacco Control at the Ministry of Health.
Health officials noted that the introduction of the declaration is expected to enhance public confidence in the country’s tobacco control initiatives. It also serves as a preventative measure against potential influence from tobacco companies, whose interests often conflict with public health objectives.
According to experts, tobacco use remains a major public health concern, contributing to a range of non-communicable diseases and placing a growing burden on healthcare systems. Strengthening governance mechanisms, such as conflict of interest declarations, is therefore critical in ensuring that policies are guided by evidence and the well-being of citizens, rather than commercial considerations.
Officials further underscored that Uganda remains committed to fully implementing its obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The adoption of stricter accountability measures, they said, demonstrates the country’s resolve to reduce tobacco consumption and protect current and future generations from its harmful effects. The launch of the declaration is expected to set a precedent for other sectors where industry influence could undermine public policy, reinforcing the government’s broader commitment to transparency and ethical governance.