Table 1.

A comparison of guidelines to limit industry interference in public policy

WHO guidelines for implementation of FCTC Article 5.3	Uganda Tobacco Control Act 2015	Extent of fit
Raise awareness about the addictive and harmful nature of tobacco products and about tobacco industry interference with Parties’ tobacco control policies.		Omitted
Establish measures to limit interactions with the tobacco industry and ensure the transparency of those interactions that occur.	Ensure there is transparency in the interactions of government with the tobacco industry. The record and documents related to the interactions, communications and contacts held between the government and the tobacco industry shall be transparent and open to the public. A person, body or entity that contributes or may contribute to the formulation, implementation, administration, enforcement or monitoring of public health policies on tobacco control shall not interact with the tobacco industry except where it is strictly necessary for the effective regulation of the tobacco industry.	Broadly consistent
Reject partnerships and non-binding or non-enforceable agreements with the tobacco industry.	Prohibition on partnerships and endorsements of the tobacco industry. Any non-binding or non-enforceable agreement, memorandum of understanding, voluntary agreement or tobacco industry code of conduct in the place of legally enforceable tobacco control measures. Proposals, drafts or offers of assistance with the development or implementation of any tobacco control policies.	Broadly consistent
Avoid conflicts of interest for government officials and employees.	Prevention and management of conflict of interest: A person who contributes or may contribute to the formulation, implementation, administration, enforcement or monitoring of public health policies on tobacco control shall not engage in any occupational activity that may create a conflict of interest.	Broadly consistent
Require that information provided by the tobacco industry be transparent and accurate.	Reporting standards for tobacco industry to the Tobacco Control Committee.	Broadly consistent
Denormalise and, to the extent possible, regulate activities described as ‘socially responsible’ by the tobacco industry, including but not limited to activities described as ‘corporate social responsibility’.	Prohibition on partnerships and endorsements of the tobacco industry. Partnership of any kind with the tobacco industry, including initiatives or activities of the tobacco industry described, characterised, implied or likely to be perceived as socially responsible.	Broadly consistent
Do not give preferential treatment to the tobacco industry.	Prohibition of incentives or privileges to tobacco businesses.	Broadly consistent
Treat state-owned tobacco industry in the same way as any other tobacco industry.		Omitted

FCTC, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.