NUDIPU, in collaboration with the Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA), commissioned a study to assess the Government of Uganda’s progress in implementing the National Action Plan on Albinism (2020–2025). Members of the albinism fraternity have come together for a validation meeting to review the findings of this important report.
A key highlight worth celebrating is the World Health Organization’s recognition of sunscreen lotions as essential medicines. This milestone ensures that persons with albinism can access protective lotions to shield their skin from direct sunlight and prevent related health complications.
During the meeting, Ms. Lekuru Emilly, a representative from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (Disability and Elderly Affairs), reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of persons with albinism. She noted that steps have been taken to remind the Ministry of Health to align with the WHO directive by formally including sunscreen lotions on Uganda’s essential medicines list.
In addition, she emphasized the continued engagement with the Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure that learners with albinism are better protected. This includes allowing children in lower classes to wear long-sleeved shirts, as well as ensuring that learners with albinism are given priority to sit at the front in classrooms for better visibility and comfort.
Key Objectives of the National Action Plan on Albinism 2020 to 2025
The National Action Plan was designed around fundamental objectives aimed at promoting the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of persons with albinism. These objectives include:
Inclusion: Ensuring that persons with albinism live in an inclusive society where they are fully accepted and integrated.
Participation: Promoting the active involvement of persons with albinism in all sectors of the economy and national development.
Independence: Supporting persons with albinism to live independently and make their own life choices.
Equal Opportunities and Treatment : Eliminating all forms of discrimination to guarantee equality before the law and in society.
Respect and Diversity: Recognizing persons with albinism as human beings with equal worth and deserving of respect.
Mainstreaming Albinism: Integrating the concerns and rights of persons with albinism into all levels of planning and policy-making.
Self-Advocacy: Empowering persons with albinism to build self-esteem, speak up for their rights, and actively participate in community activities.
The National Action Plan on Albinism (2020–2025): Priority Areas
The Action Plan, spanning five years (2020–2025), identifies ten key areas of focus to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of persons with albinism in Uganda. These include:
Awareness Raising in Communities
Thanks to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for continuously using the International Day of Persons with Albinism to raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with albinism.
Access to Adequate Healthcare
We appreciate the World Health Organization (WHO) for recognizing sunscreen lotion as an essential medicine. We call upon the Ministry of Health to adopt this recommendation and ensure free supply to persons with albinism.
Access to Education
Efforts are underway by organizations of persons with albinism to advocate for inclusive measures—such as allowing young learners to wear long-sleeved clothing and ensuring they sit at the front of classrooms for better protection and visibility.
Access to Work and Employment
With more persons with albinism pursuing higher education and graduating in various fields, deliberate efforts are needed to ensure equal career opportunities and protection from workplace discrimination.
Children with Albinism
Measures must be taken to guarantee that children with albinism enjoy their full rights as human beings and are protected from harmful practices, including ritual sacrifices—not only in Uganda but across borders.
Women with Albinism
Women with albinism must be empowered and supported to fully enjoy their rights, free from discrimination and marginalization.
Refugees with Albinism
In cases where persons with albinism face threats of violence or ritual practices in their home countries, they should be granted asylum and protection like other refugees.
Policies and Laws
Stronger policies and accountability frameworks must be developed and implemented to safeguard the rights of persons with albinism.
Safety and Security
Protection mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure the safety and security of persons with albinism in communities.
Accountability
Government and stakeholders must ensure transparency and responsibility in implementing commitments under the National Action Plan.
Key findings as far as implementation of the National Action Plan on Albinism is concerned:
• Unfortunately, most people have not read the national action plan
• Effective implementation of the national action plan was left for the Ministry, and some local governments admitted that this was a Ministry document
• Coordination among persons with albinism is still lacking, and therefore, many have been implementing activities not referring to the action plan.
• Implementation activity reports are not shared with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, specifically the disability affairs department
• Some organizations of persons with albinism were not informed about the National Action Plan and how to incorporate this in their day-to-day activities.
