People with Albinism Renew Calls for Specialised Healthcare and Tax Relief on Protective Gear

People living with albinism in Uganda have intensified calls for government intervention to lower the cost of protective gear and improve access to specialised healthcare. Advocates warn that without sustained state support, vulnerable individuals face severe and entirely preventable health complications.

Speaking in Kampala during the launch of the upcoming Discover Kaweesa Solomon fundraising dinner, community leaders emphasized that essential needs like sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, and routine medical examinations should be accessible through public health facilities. They argue that these critical services should not depend on an individual’s financial standing.

Ms. Faith Bwanika, the secretary of the Matayo Foundation, highlighted the urgent need for routine medical assessments to detect skin abnormalities and eye complications early. She called upon the government to deploy dermatologists and specialists to public hospitals, including Health Centre IVs and national referral facilities, to adequately cater to individuals with albinism.

Furthermore, advocates are urging the government to reduce or entirely eliminate taxes on imported protective products such as sunscreen and specialised eyewear, which remain unaffordable for many low-income households across the country.

The renewed advocacy coincides with a charity initiative spearheaded by journalist Solomon Kaweesa, who has partnered with the Matayo Foundation to establish a dedicated one-stop center for the albinism community. The center aims to provide a safe space for support, welfare discussions, and resource sharing.

To raise funds for this initiative, a charity dinner is scheduled to take place on November 27 at the Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Rubaga Division, Kampala.

Read more about this story in the Daily Monitor.