Uganda is losing sh30 billion ($8.4 million) annually due to the illicit cigarette trade, according to a study by the international research firm Kantar. According to the findings, 34% of the cigarettes sold in Uganda last year were illegal, a 5% increase over the last two years.
The illicit trade is largely driven by smuggling between Uganda and Kenya, with Uganda now identified as a key source of contraband cigarettes in the Kenyan market. Illicit cigarette sales in Kenya reportedly increased from 28% to 37% over the past year.
