Albinism Community Calls for More Dermatologists in Hospitals

As Uganda joined the rest of the world to mark International Albinism Awareness Day, members of the albinism community gathered at the Mukono District headquarters to celebrate their progress, advocate for their rights, and highlight ongoing challenges especially in healthcare and education.

The community used the occasion to call on the government to train and recruit more dermatologists in public hospitals, arguing that the current number only 20 dermatologists serving the entire country is insufficient to address their unique health needs, particularly related to skin and vision care.

A major highlight of the event was the community’s appreciation of recent government efforts. Olive Namutebi, Executive Director of Albinism Umbrella, lauded the passing of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2020, which officially recognizes albinism as a disability in Uganda.

“This recognition is a great milestone. A decade ago, our issues were invisible. Today, we are officially recognized, and that matters,” Namutebi said.

Despite this progress, Namutebi stressed that significant challenges remain most notably limited access to dermatological services and stigma in schools.

“We still face difficulties accessing dermatological services. With only 20 dermatologists across the country, the number is far from enough. We urge the government to increase funding and recruit more specialists,” she said.

“In schools, many of our children face bullying and stigma, which has led to high dropout rates. This is a crisis that needs urgent attention.”

The day’s celebrations served not only as a moment of reflection and pride for the strides made but also as a platform to demand greater inclusion, health equity, and protection for Uganda’s albinism community.

Shakira Nabakooza, a representative from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), pledged the organization’s continued commitment to supporting the albinism community.

“We stand with the albinism community in advocating for inclusion, access to services, and an end to discrimination,” she said.

Rhoda Kagaga Titwe, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Mukono Municipality, encouraged individuals with albinism to actively participate in government development programs.

She also urged parents to treat their children with dignity and care, warning against discrimination and neglect within families.

Grace Asamo, Minister of State for Persons with Disabilities, called on the albinism community to embrace opportunities beyond formal employment.

“Let us not only aim for white-collar jobs. The informal sector holds great opportunities for economic empowerment,” she emphasized.

Rebecca Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting people with albinism but voiced disappointment at the absence of officials from key ministries.

“We need the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health present at such gatherings to directly hear the challenges our people face in schools and health facilities,” Kadaga noted.