Advocates for persons with albinism in Uganda have raised alarm over what they describe as a rising wave of violent attacks, killings, and discrimination targeting their community, warning that many victims are living in fear due to weak law enforcement and inadequate protection mechanisms.
The concerns were raised during a press conference organised by the Albinism Umbrella at the headquarters of the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda in Bukoto, Kampala.
Survivors and advocacy leaders shared disturbing accounts of violence, including testimony from Sylvia Nakiyemba, a resident of Kyotera District, who recounted a near-fatal attack earlier this year.
Nakiyemba told journalists that she was attacked on March 8, 2026, shortly after burying her sibling, who also had albinism. According to her account, unknown assailants later set her house on fire in what she believes was an attempt to kill her.
“I am living in constant fear because I do not have security and the incident left me psychologically disturbed,” Nakiyemba said.
She said she narrowly escaped the attack and has since struggled to feel safe despite reporting the matter to police.
“I reported the matter to police in Kyotera, but I was not helped,” she added.
Advocacy leaders at the press conference said at least 15 cases of attacks or attempted violence against persons with albinism have been recorded in the past three years, although they believe the actual number could be much higher because many incidents go unreported.
The activists rejected narratives suggesting that persons with albinism “disappear mysteriously,” arguing instead that many victims are targeted in ritual-related crimes.
“People with albinism are being sacrificed and targeted for ritual-related crimes,” one speaker said while calling for urgent intervention from authorities.
Esther Kyozira, Executive Director of the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda, said the persistent insecurity has forced many persons with albinism into isolation, affecting their education, employment, and freedom of movement.
“Many of them fear moving freely or even going to school because they are worried about being attacked,” Kyozira said.
She added that although Uganda has enacted laws intended to protect persons with albinism and other vulnerable groups, implementation remains weak.
“Government enacted laws to protect persons with albinism, but these laws are not being enforced. Their cases must be handled seriously so that victims can get justice,” she said.
Kyozira further noted that the problem extends beyond persons with albinism, arguing that cases involving other persons with disabilities are also frequently neglected by authorities.
Human rights advocates are now calling on the government to strengthen protection mechanisms, improve police response, and ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence against persons with albinism.
They also urged the public to reject harmful myths and beliefs that continue to fuel attacks, stressing that public awareness and community vigilance are essential in preventing further violence.
The renewed outcry adds to mounting pressure on authorities to address what activists describe as a persistent and life-threatening human rights crisis affecting one of Uganda’s most vulnerable communities.
