Last Wednesday, the enforcement team of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) stationed in Arua intercepted contraband tobacco smugglers in a significant operation. Their efforts led to the apprehension of a FUSO box-body truck, bearing registration number UAU 426L, transporting 17.5 tons of Shisha. The truck was occupied by nine individuals, including loaders and the driver, and was devoid of any accompanying legal documentation for the shipment.
Swiftly responding to the situation, the enforcement team promptly detained the vehicle’s occupants along with the illicit cargo and escorted them to the URA offices to prevent any potential outbreak of violence within the community. The confiscated shisha was packaged in 313 bags, each weighing 56 kilograms.
It’s worth noting that Arua and the wider West Nile region have encountered violent episodes during previous anti-smuggling operations, resulting in tragic loss of lives. Consequently, URA officials, together with local leadership and business stakeholders, have resolved to undertake peaceful enforcement operations and engage traders in dialogue to prevent any escalation of violence.
Ibrahim Bbossa, the spokesperson for URA, commended the enforcement team for their prompt response in safeguarding the health of Ugandan citizens. He reiterated that such actions align with Customs’ mandate to protect society from harmful and undesirable products while promoting fair trade practices.
Meanwhile, a study conducted jointly by the Ministry of Health and Makerere University’s School of Public Health in 2019 highlighted the prevalence, knowledge, and practices of Shisha smoking in Uganda, particularly in Kampala. The research revealed a high prevalence of shisha smoking among youths, with three out of ten indulging in the habit. However, their awareness regarding the health risks associated with shisha smoking was found to be low.
The study further revealed that shisha smoking primarily occurs in bars, where individuals often share shisha pipes with friends on a weekly basis. This practice not only exposes smokers to infectious agents that can spread communicable diseases but also increases the risk of contracting illnesses such as tuberculosis, flu, and herpes.
Globally, tobacco use claims the lives of over seven million people annually, with more than six million deaths attributed to direct tobacco use and an additional 890,000 fatalities resulting from exposure to second-hand smoke. Shisha smoking, also known as hookah, water pipe, goza, nargile, or hubble-bubble, involves passing tobacco smoke through water before inhalation.
In response to the growing concerns surrounding shisha consumption, the Ministry of Health is reportedly considering legislation to prohibit shisha smoking. The existing Tobacco Control Act of 2015 already prohibits smoking in public places and bans the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products, including shisha tobacco.
Shisha, also known as hookah or water pipe, has gained popularity in Uganda in recent years, particularly among the youth. This trend has prompted discussions about its prevalence, associated health risks, and potential regulatory measures.
Research conducted jointly by the Ministry of Health and Makerere University’s School of Public Health in 2019 shed light on the prevalence, knowledge, and practices of shisha smoking in Uganda, with a particular focus on Kampala, the capital city. The study revealed that approximately three out of ten young people in Kampala reported engaging in shisha smoking. However, despite the high prevalence, awareness of the health risks associated with shisha consumption was found to be relatively low among users.
Shisha smoking typically takes place in social settings such as bars, cafes, and lounges, where individuals gather to socialize and unwind. It is often perceived as a communal activity, with friends sharing a shisha pipe and taking turns inhaling flavored tobacco smoke. This practice not only fosters social bonding but also contributes to the normalization of shisha use among peers.
One of the factors contributing to the popularity of shisha smoking is the wide variety of flavors available, ranging from fruity and sweet to exotic and spicy. These flavored tobaccos, combined with the novelty of the water pipe apparatus, appeal to young people seeking novel sensory experiences and a break from traditional smoking methods.
However, despite its growing popularity, shisha smoking poses significant health risks. Contrary to popular belief, smoking shisha is not a harmless activity. The smoke produced by burning flavored tobacco contains numerous toxic chemicals and carcinogens, which can harm the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and even certain types of cancer.
Furthermore, the communal nature of shisha smoking increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, flu, and herpes. Sharing a shisha pipe with multiple individuals allows for the exchange of saliva and respiratory secretions, providing a conducive environment for the spread of pathogens.
In response to the public health concerns associated with shisha consumption, the Ministry of Health is considering regulatory measures to curb its prevalence. The existing Tobacco Control Act of 2015 prohibits smoking in public places and restricts the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products, including shisha tobacco. However, enforcement of these regulations remains a challenge, particularly in informal settings where shisha smoking often takes place.
