The blog of Jackie Tumwine

East African Jua Kali Fair marred by tobacco sponsorship

As a ploy to market its killer products, dodge regulation and divert attention away from the devastating effects of its operations, British American Tobacco (BAT) has once again sponsored the East African Jua Kali Fair taking place this week in Kenya. The Sh25 million one-week exhibition which is bringing together more than 500 Jua Kali artisans from East Africa is marred by British American Tobacco's Ksh 5million (approx 74 thousand USD) sponsorship. The Kenyan government is a co sponsor of the fair.

BAT shouldn’t fund CHOGM activities

Another letter to the Editor calling for the rejection of BAT sponsorship of the Commonwealth Business Forum:

EDITOR—I concur with the view by Jackie Tumwine about BAT sponsorship of the CHOGM in the business forum as particularly detestable. There would seem to be little to bring such diverse peoples of the Commonwealth together in a voluntary association.

Tobacco Sponsorship of Commonwealth Business Forum Unacceptable

Uganda is hosting the Commonwealth Business Forum ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this November.  British American Tobacco’s sponsorship and chairing of the event is unacceptable because tobacco is a unique product that addicts, sickens, and kills.