Young people with albinism and vitiligo have called on the Government of Uganda to waive taxes on sunscreen, warning that its high cost makes essential skin protection inaccessible to many and exposes them to serious health risks, including skin cancer. The appeal was made during the maiden National Disability Youth Summit 2026, organised by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Uganda (SHAU) at Kyoto-Namugongo. Held under the theme “A Lifetime of Experience: From Preconception to Ageing,” the five-day summit brought together more than 90 young people with different disabilities from across Uganda to discuss issues affecting their health, inclusion and participation in society.
For persons with albinism, sunscreen is a critical component of daily skin protection. However, participants highlighted that the cost of sunscreen, ranging between UGX 55,000 and UGX 65,000 per bottle, remains a significant barrier for many individuals and families. Young participants called on government to waive taxes on sunscreen and include it on the National Essential Medicines List. This would support its procurement and distribution through hospitals and health centres, making it more accessible to persons with albinism across the country.
The discussions emphasised that sunscreen should not be treated as a luxury, but as an essential health product that helps prevent skin damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer. The participants also raised several important recommendations aimed at strengthening disability inclusion and access to healthcare. They called for mobile clinics to provide skin cancer screening, specialised skin care and eye care services, particularly in underserved communities. They noted that mobile health services, similar to those used for tuberculosis and malaria interventions, could improve access to essential healthcare.
Young people with vitiligo called for greater recognition of their experiences and needs, including the official recognition of vitiligo as a disability. On addition to that, the importance of awareness campaigns in schools and communities to address myths, misconceptions, and stigma was emphasised.
SHAU called for regular refresher training for health workers to improve their capacity to provide inclusive and responsive healthcare. Participants also highlighted the need for disability-related essential supplies, including sunscreen and catheters, to be adequately considered in health and assistive device budgets.
Participants emphasised that collective advocacy is essential to advancing disability rights and addressing shared challenges. By working together, young people with disabilities can strengthen their voices and influence policies and programmes that affect their lives.
At Albinism Umbrella, we stand with these young leaders in advocating for affordable sunscreen, accessible healthcare and the protection of the rights of persons with albinism. Access to sunscreen is not simply a matter of affordability. It is a matter of health, dignity and equal access to essential care. Making sunscreen affordable and accessible is an important step towards ensuring that persons with albinism can live healthier, safer and more dignified lives.
Last modified: October 30, 2026
