Kampala: Uganda will mark International Albinism day that is meant to make awareness campaigns about albinism, their condition is normal and that Albinos are people just like other human beings, says Chairperson Equal Opportunities Commission Sylvia Muwebwa.
Speaking at media Centre Ms. Muwebwa revealed that the physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalization and social exclusion leading to various forms of stigma and discrimination.
“An albino can do what any other person, however the only challenge is that they are affected by sunshine and the recommended Vaseline ointment is expensive that it can’t be afforded by some families,” she said.
According to Muwebwa, the function will on Wednesday be held in Mbale and graced by the speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga who will later sensitize and educate parents and the public about the perceived mentality that having an albinos in family is an omen that blocks family members from accumulating wealth before sacrificing a person.
She noted that Sub Saharan Africa has 8725 Albinos and the high incidence is One to 4000, “during the function, we as the Equal Opportunities Commission, We shall give a report of the number of people in Uganda living with Albinism,”
