DODOMA, June 12 -- THE government has proposed new levies on tobacco products and sugar to secure sustainable financing for the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) scheme and accelerate the rollout of universal health coverage nationwide.

Presenting the 2026/27 National Budget in Parliament yesterday, Minister for Finance, Khamis Mussa Omar, said the measures are aimed at expanding domestic sources of health financing and reducing dependence on external support.

“The government proposes to increase sources of revenue for financing universal health insurance through amendments to various laws and regulations,” Ambassador Omar told lawmakers.

Under the proposals, amendments to the Excise Duty Act will increase excise duty on cig...