NEWS- Entebbe Police Station is holding 19 suspects accused of smoking shisha, being in possession of Marijuana in violation of the Tobacco Control Act 2015.
The suspects were apprehended during a targeted operation conducted by the police, and supported by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces-UPDF officers and officials from the tobacco control department in the Ministry of Health and last night.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango, explained that the operation spanned bars and social venues within the areas of Mpala to eliminate criminals terrorizing the public,. “This time the operation targeted mainly Shisha and marijuana smoking, the arrested people included.” Onyango said.
Police has identified the suspects as Mark Johnson, Kakungulu Abdu Razak, Musazi Kevin Ssemanda Charles, Muwonge Vincent , Owor Innocent , Seruba Joel, Kaggwa Nicolas, Bwire Hassan.
Musoke Shafik, Birumwe Denis Kainerugaba Geofrey, Ssempa Leko . Muwanguzi Johnathan, Ssemakula Simon, Tanzi Bosco, Ssemwanga Samuel , Kasozi Dickson all are detained at Entebbe Police Station pending court.
The Tobacco Control Act, 2015, endorsed by the President on September 19, 2015, aims to safeguard non-tobacco smokers from the health, environmental, social, and economic ramifications of tobacco usage and exposure.
The legislation unequivocally prohibits tobacco products such as shisha, Kubar (a smokeless tobacco often chewed), flavoured tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes.
Statistics from the World Health Organization reveal that tobacco consumption causes over 8 million deaths annually worldwide, with more than Shillings 7 million
