LUSAKA - Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have expressed concern over the decision to return the Tobacco Control Bill to Parliament for reconsideration, describing the move as a setback to efforts aimed at protecting public health.
Speaking on behalf of the Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia and other civil society organisations, Fastone Goma said the Bill had undergone nearly two decades of consultations, technical reviews and stakeholder engagement before it was passed by Parliament on May 4, 2026.
Professor Goma said the organisations are disappointed that the legislation has been referred back for reconsideration following the dissolution of the 13th National Assembly.
He questioned the lack of clarity on which provisions require further review and how the reconsideration process will proceed after Parliament’s dissolution.
Professor Goma explained that civil society organisations had initially attempted to engage the Presidency privately through letters, meetings and other channels before deciding to raise their concerns publicly.
The consortium warned that delaying the legislation could have serious public health consequences, saying tobacco-related diseases continue to claim lives while imposing significant economic costs on Zambia.
“Tobacco consumption costs Zambia more than K2.8 billion annually while making only a modest contribution to the economy,” Professor Goma said.
The CSOs also expressed concern over the accessibility of tobacco products to children, particularly around schools.
Professor Goma clarified that the proposed legislation is intended to regulate tobacco consumption, marketing and access, rather than ban tobacco farming or legitimate tobacco trade.
He appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to assent to the Bill, arguing that the legislation represents years of work by Government, Parliament, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to protect Zambians from the harmful effects of tobacco.