Albinism Umbrella

Kisule Herman George William, father to Whitney, child with albinism shares his experience raising her.

Please introduce yourself

My name is Kisule Herman George William, a resident of Masajja in Kampala District. I am 41 years old and the father of Whitney Nakawoya Percy. By profession, I am a painter.

How was the experience when you had Whitney in the hospital?

Whitney was born at Kisenyi Government Referral Hospital. The doctors asked about our clan or tribe. At first, I thought her light skin might be influenced by my work environment, since I often worked indoors with white people. I hoped her complexion would change with time. I was not afraid or alarmed, as I believed she was simply light-skinned. There is no known history of albinism in either my lineage or her mother’s, so I accepted her without fear.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced in raising her?

The main challenge has been discrimination. At school, teachers treated her differently. I had to confront them, insisting that she has the same blood as other students. In the village, some people discriminated against me when she was born, but I chose to remain strong and leave it all to God.

What advice would you give to parents of children living with albinism?

I encourage parents, especially fathers, to be present and supportive. All children deserve love and care, regardless of their condition.

How has Albinism Umbrella been helpful to you?

I am grateful to Albinism Umbrella, particularly Madam Olivia and Phiona Nantaba, for their encouragement and support. They have provided sunscreen and other assistance. Through Albinism Umbrella, I realised Whitney is not alone, and that gave us strength.

Tell us about how you met Albinism Umbrella.

I first learned about Albinism Umbrella through Whitney’s mother, who met some people in town and received their contact information. I took the responsibility to meet them at their old offices when Whitney was six years old. She is now almost twelve. During that first meeting, they asked how I cared for her, and I shared my experiences.

WHITNEY SPEAKS

Please tell us about yourself and your life:

My name is Nakawoya Percy Whitney from Massajja, and I am 12 years old

I have faced some challenges, being called names like ‘Namagoya’, and I have left them in God’s hands. When my father told me to listen or believe in the kids’ words and not react to whatever they said, I followed his advice.

I am now living my life and just hanging out with my friends, not caring about the other kids.

So what would you want to be when you grow up?

I want to become a doctor when I grow up.

Why a Doctor?

Because the doctors save people’s lives.

Last modified: July 14, 2026