Voices of albinism: Overcoming neglect and discrimination

7 May 2024, 9:35 pm

By Nanfuka Robbina

Nabukenya Christine and Sunday Kimera Dominic, both 24 years old, share a life coloured by the challenges of living with albinism. Christine, a resilient young woman, highlights the pervasive ignorance among parents raising children with albinism. She laments the disproportionate burden borne by girls, who often face heightened bullying and societal stigma due to perceived physical weakness. Christine emphasizes the need for equal opportunities for all children with albinism, stressing the importance of raising awareness in schools and communities. She advocates for robust juvenile justice measures to protect vulnerable individuals.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s story echoes Christine’s struggles, underscoring the neglect and rejection he experienced within his own family. Branded as a curse and isolated by his parents, Sunday faced discrimination both at home and in school. His plea to the government is twofold: to enforce laws combating child violence and to provide avenues for individuals with albinism to voice their concerns. He calls for practical measures, such as reducing taxes on essential lotions or providing them free of charge, to alleviate the financial burdens faced by individuals with albinism.

Both Christine and Sunday appeal to parents to cultivate love and acceptance for children with albinism, urging society to recognize their humanity and afford them the same opportunities as their peers. Their stories serve as poignant reminders of the resilience and dignity inherent in every individual, regardless of physical appearance or ability.