Persons with Albinism (PWA) in Uganda are relieved after the government decided to remove taxes on sunscreen lotion, a crucial product that helps protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun. This tax exemption is a significant development, especially for those at risk of developing skin cancer.
Peter Ogik, the executive director of the Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA), expressed his gratitude for this government decision. He highlighted that the tax exemption has saved at least 1,500 individuals from skin cancer since his organization began importing sunscreen lotions in large quantities in 2018.
“We are happy to announce this progress as we prepare to celebrate International Albinism Awareness Day. Our efforts to import tax-free sunscreen lotions have prevented cancer in over 1,500 people with albinism,” Mr. Ogik said during a media briefing on June 11, ahead of the celebrations in Jinja City on June 13.
Mr. Ogik explained that the government, through the Ministry of Finance, responded to their request to remove taxes on sunscreen lotions seven years ago. This request was based on the alarming death rate among PWAs due to limited access to these essential products. The removal of taxes has significantly reduced the death rate from skin cancer among PWAs from 90% before 2018 to 60% today.
Despite this progress, Mr. Ogik pointed out that challenges remain. One major issue is the limited funding available to purchase sunscreen lotions. He suggested that the government should consider establishing factories to manufacture sunscreen lotion locally, rather than relying on imports.
Jinja City Deputy Mayor, Ms. Fazira Kawuma, also called on the government to ensure that every health center is equipped with sunscreen lotions and dermatologists. She emphasized the need for more inclusive action plans for PWAs across all government sectors to enhance their participation and visibility in society.
Ms. Kawuma, who also represents female Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at the city council, noted that the current national action plan for inclusion remains largely unimplemented, with few PWAs holding positions in civil service and government schools.
Edmond Watongora, a social worker with SNUPA, urged PWAs to regularly use sunscreen lotions to protect their skin from cancer. He also encouraged parents of children with albinism to ensure their kids have access to these lotions early on, to prevent severe skin damage.
During the International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13, SNUPA plans to raise further awareness about albinism, including debunking common myths and providing education on the importance of sun protection.
