According to the latest available statistics, in 2016, Uganda had approximately 731,000 adults who were current users of traditional smokeless tobacco, representing 3.7% of the adult population. Its use was higher among men at 4.6%, compared to 2.9% among women. Its daily use was reported by 2.8% of adults overall, including 3.3% of men and 2.4% of women. From regulatory standpoint, traditional smokeless tobacco is banned in Uganda and is regulated as a tobacco product. Hence its sale is illegal, and there is a ban on all forms of advertising.
Prevalence
- 1. WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-uga.pdf?sfvrsn=b2619b3e_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 May 2025. 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-uga.pdf?sfvrsn=b2619b3e_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 May 2025.
- Adults survey: Demographic and Health Survey, 2016; National, ages 15-54 (men) 15-49 (women) World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
- Adults survey: Demographic and Health Survey, 2016; National, ages 15-54 (men) 15-49 (women)
Product promotion
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-uga.pdf?sfvrsn=b2619b3e_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 May 2025.
Regulation
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-uga.pdf?sfvrsn=b2619b3e_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 May 2025.
Availability
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-uga.pdf?sfvrsn=b2619b3e_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 May 2025.
Publications
Tobacco harm reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa
With the number of tobacco users across the continent set to rise by 2025, we look at the current state of tobacco harm reduction in the region, assessing the progress made so far and the obstacles preventing greater adoption of safer nicotine products.
