Kampala, Uganda – The alarming increase in cigarette smoking, cocaine, marijuana, and shisha use among Uganda’s youth has become a pressing concern, with far-reaching and deadly consequences. According to Buyinza Adam Luzindana, Team Leader of Public Opinions, a field-based research and advocacy firm, smoking poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of young people, leading to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.
Luzindana, a former Youth Leader and member of the National Executive Council of the National Resistance Movement (NEC), emphasized that collective action is necessary to combat the scourge of smoking among Uganda’s youth. He called on government leaders, politicians, and aspiring politicians to integrate anti-smoking initiatives into their manifestos and invest in fighting smoking in schools, communities, and bars.
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The consequences of smoking are devastating, with cigarette smoke containing over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. Smoking is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for 1.8 million deaths annually, and also damages the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
To combat the rising smoking epidemic, Luzindana advocated for a multi-faceted approach. He called for the enactment and enforcement of comprehensive tobacco control legislation, raising taxes on tobacco products, and launching public awareness campaigns and school programs. He also emphasized the need for providing access to counseling and support groups, encouraging engagement in sports and healthy lifestyles, engaging parents and guardians in anti-smoking efforts, and organizing community events and advocacy campaigns. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of ensuring access to healthcare services for those affected by smoking-related illnesses.
By acknowledging the dangers of smoking and working together, we can create a healthier, smoke-free future for Uganda’s youth. Let us join forces to break the deadly grip of smoking and empower our young people to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
