By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
Individuals with albinism from the Bugisu sub-region gathered at the Mbale district headquarters in Malukhu on, Friday, June 27, 2025 as they joined the global community in commemorating International Albinism Awareness Day, under the them Under the poignant theme, “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives”.
Doreen Kimono Wandeba, the chairperson of the Manafwa Albinism Umbrella, expressed optimism about the day’s impact. “It will carry some impact to them,” she stated, referring to the government. “By accepting their disability, and also to make them to know what they are supposed to do and what they are supposed to be.”
Wandeba emphasized the importance of familial love and societal inclusion. She urged parents to embrace their children with albinism as gifts from God and encouraged individuals with albinism to actively participate in government programs, asserting their place as integral members of society.
A significant plea from Wandeba was directed at the government to provide more support for school-going children with albinism.
Recognizing their short-sightedness, she called for accommodations such as preferential seating at the front of classrooms, large-print examination papers, and extended time during tests due to their slower pace.
The day’s celebrations come five years after the Ugandan government officially recognized albinism as a disability in 2020, a move aimed at bolstering the rights of the community nationwide.
Despite this recognition, many attendees shared powerful testimonies detailing ongoing discrimination they face.
Henry Manana, the Mbale Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), challenged the albinism community to be more assertive in the political arena. He encouraged them to “stand firm and contest for political positions,” particularly those reserved for people with disabilities.
Manana also urged the Ugandan government to increase funding for awareness campaigns to better protect and promote the interests of albinos across the country.
