Persons with albinism are some of the most vulnerable and stigmatized, people in societies, having to endure prejudices and misconceptions that threaten their welfare and security.
Stigma and negative society perceptions upon them not only deprive them from enjoying their social life and rights but also creates barriers that sidestep them from prospering economically.
In a bid to start on a journey of creating economic independence for persons with albinism, the government of Uganda has allocated shillings 17 billion in the financial year 2022/2023 to cater for 10 priority areas in lives of persons with albinism.
One of the major significant areas is raising awareness about albinism which holds the key for dispelling the misconceptions of society about persons with albinism of the Shs17bn, this shall take shs2.6bn. The spatial mapping research conducted by Albinism Umbrella, indicated that over 70% of Ugandans are not aware of how albinism occurs, and they still approach it with myths and superstition.
Other vital areas that shall be covered by the Shs17bn include access to education taking Shs1.8bn, access to work and employment Shs1.9bn, children with albinism Shs77m, women with Albinism Shs274m, and refugees with albinism to take a share of Shs237m. Part of the funds will be allocated to health care and provision of free sun screens.
Government plans to enact a special law on persons with Albinism and Shs600m have been allocated to facilitate the establishment of inclusive laws and policies. Among the policies include the previously launched National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism (NAPPWA).
Because of the erroneous beliefs and myths heavily inclined by superstition, lives of persons with albinism are uncertain and are at constant risk of violation of their human rights including cutting of their body parts to be used in witchcraft acts, for this matter government has set aside 182 million for safety and security of persons with Albinism.
While speaking at the just concluded International Albinism Awareness day that was commemorated in Lira City Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace the minister of state for disability affairs also revealed that, the government has put in place programs to alleviate poverty and has ensured affirmative action for special interest groups where persons with albinism fall.
Among these include The National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities. Under this program, government provides grants to organized groups of persons with disabilities to start income generating activities.
According to Hon. Asamo government is also implementing the Parish Development Model which provides funds for enterprise development at the Parish Persons with Disabilities have been allocated 10% of these funds, and persons with albinism have been urged to effectively participate in these programs including “Emyooga” which provides funds at sub counties.
Hon. Asamo speaking at the International Albinism Awareness Day event
In 2008 Uganda ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and provided a broader framework for support to persons with albinism, in addition to this Uganda included albinism as a form of disability in the Persons with Disability Act 2022, this serves as Uganda’s first ever recognition of albinism and being ready to accord it the attention that it needs.
Last modified: January 8, 2024
