Authorities in Jinja district are searching for a bar owner accused of selling lethal cigarettes to a teenager, resulting in his demise. The proprietor, identified as James Mulopa of Buwenge town council, is currently evading capture.
The deceased, Zubair Sekiti, known as Balikoowa, hailed from Kalamoya zone in Buwenge town council. Preliminary investigations suggest that Sekiti collapsed and died after smoking the alleged harmful greenish cigarettes and consuming alcohol in the vicinity.
“During the night shift of having all the fun while smoking cigarettes and drinking Waragi, Sekiti suddenly collapsed and died,” stated James Mubi, spokesperson for the Kiira Police region.
Mubi reported that inquiries into the incident have commenced. Mulopa, the bar owner where the incident occurred, has absconded.
Sekiti’s body awaits postmortem examination at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, with forensic analysis pending at the Government Analytical Laboratory in Wandegeya, Kampala.
Once apprehended, Mulopa will face charges for allowing smoking in a smoke-free zone and selling prohibited cigarettes to a minor, as cigarette sales to individuals under 21 are illegal.
The brand of cigarettes sold to the deceased is banned in Uganda. The Tobacco Control Act of 2015 prohibits smoking in public places and by individuals under 21 years old.
Mubi emphasized the commencement of enforcement actions in the Kiira region against violators of the Tobacco Act 2015.
