The Elgon Foundation for Persons with Albinism (EFPA), an umbrella organization advocating for the rights of persons with albinism, has scheduled its regional International Albinism Awareness Day celebrations for June 26, 2026, at Lukhobo Gardens in Mbale District headquarters.
The event will be held under the global theme, “Proudly in My Skin,” and aims to raise awareness about the rights and well-being of persons with albinism while promoting inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities.
Speaking during a press conference Friday afternoon at the foundation’s offices, EFPA Executive Director Elizabeth Negesa said that although the national celebrations were held on June 13 in Kamuli District, the Elgon Region would mark the occasion with its own event on June 26.
Negesa noted that, this celebration is about creating awareness, promoting inclusion, and advancing equal rights for persons with albinism.
“Many children and adults with albinism continue to face misconceptions, myths, and discrimination in schools, communities, and workplaces. People should understand that we are human beings like everyone else,” Negesa said.
She called upon persons with albinism, development partners, stakeholders, and members of the public to join the celebrations and support efforts aimed at ending stigma and discrimination.
Mariam Nafuna, the Woman Representative for Persons with Albinism, highlighted the challenges faced by the community, noting that many people do not recognize albinism as a disability.
“We experience various forms of discrimination. Some people do not consider us among persons with disabilities and, as a result, we are often denied opportunities to benefit from government programs, yet we face serious skin and visual impairments,” Nafuna said.
Mbale District Focal Person for Disabilities and Older Persons, Dorothy Wetela, emphasized that persons with albinism are recognized under Uganda’s Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020.
These people are eligible to access government support programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and disability grants,” Wetela said.
