The First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and minister for East African Community Affairs has expressed frustration over delays by government agencies, particularly the Uganda Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance, in facilitating the procurement of sunscreen lotions for persons with albinism.
Kadaga said she feels ‘betrayed’ by the bureaucratic delays despite the inclusion of sunscreen lotions on the World Health Organisation’s 2025 Model List of Essential Medicines, meant to prevent skin damage and skin cancer among persons with albinism.
She made the remarks on Saturday while officiating at national celebrations to mark International Albinism Awareness Day in Kamuli, held under the theme ‘Proudly My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.’
Kadaga called for stronger policy and financing frameworks to ensure consistent procurement and distribution of sunscreen lotions in public health facilities, insisting they should be treated as essential medicines rather than cosmetic products.
‘I need to make it clear my disappointment, frustration and betrayal that URA and the Ministry of Finance have adamantly refused to provide skin creams for persons with albinism as essential medicines, not cosmetics,’ Kadaga said.
She argued that future commemorations should include officials from URA and the Ministry of Finance to directly engage with beneficiaries and understand their needs.
Kadaga also reaffirmed government commitment to international and national frameworks promoting dignity, equality and inclusion of persons with albinism, including recognition under the Persons with Disabilities Act Cap 115, which guarantees access to essential services and protection from discrimination.
She further encouraged the Source of the Nile Union for Persons with Albinism SNUPA to follow up on the shelter project for persons with albinism, which she initiated and helped mobilise funding for.
Kamuli District Chairperson Mr Kaloli Dhizaala called for equal access to services and job opportunities for persons with albinism and persons with disabilities, urging district service commissions to prioritise inclusivity in recruitment.
‘As affirmative action, we are going to ensure that when we advertise for jobs, priority will be given to persons with albinism and disabilities. This will raise their self-esteem and promote equity and inclusion,’ he said.
SNUPA Executive Director Mr Peter Ogik raised concern over continued discrimination, myths and security risks facing persons with albinism.
He urged the government to fully implement the supply of sunscreen lotions as essential medicines rather than vaseline-based products.
He also called for the review of the expired five-year National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism, saying it should address health care, security and social justice concerns.
‘We urge the government to honour its global commitments and respond to the specific needs of persons with albinism with a focused approach,’ Ogik said.