NTINDA, Kampala : The Ugandan government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of persons with albinism, recognizing them as part of the broader community of persons with disabilities in the country.
This assurance was delivered by Patrick Menya, a Senior Gerontologist representing the Commissioner for Disability at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. He made the remarks during the official opening of the review meeting for the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism (2020–2025) held at Eureka Hotel in Ntinda.
Menya highlighted that the five-year action plan was designed to promote equality, inclusion, non-discrimination, and meaningful participation for persons with albinism.
“The plan is a roadmap for both state and non-state actors,” he said. “It helps us develop and implement strategies that respond to the human rights challenges faced by persons with albinism.”
According to Menya, the government remains dedicated to improving the lives of persons with disabilities and is using this review process to assess gaps and eliminate harmful practices.
“We are committed to strengthening systems that protect the rights of every Ugandan, including persons with albinism,” he added.
He also noted that the National Special Grant (NSG) for persons with disabilities has been distributed across the country, with the Auditor General’s report detailing population statistics and cumulative beneficiaries from 2019 to 2024.
Meanwhile, Olive Namutebi, Executive Director of Albinism Umbrella, acknowledged the government’s progress but urged for stronger collaboration.
“We appreciate the steps taken so far, but we must deepen partnerships with civil society, government agencies, ministries, and departments,” she said.
Namutebi emphasized the urgency of developing a second National Action Plan to guide interventions for the next five years. She also called on the government to allocate a dedicated budget for persons with albinism, backed by data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.
“Resource allocation must reflect the real numbers,” she noted. “Without a clear budget, meaningful progress becomes difficult.”
The review of the National Action Plan is expected to inform future policy direction and strengthen protection mechanisms for persons with albinism across Uganda.
