The Ministry of Health has announced that it is in the final stages of approving a framework that will enable persons with disabilities to access essential drugs and assistive devices free of charge through the National Medical Stores (NMS).
The development was revealed by the Assistant Commissioner for Disability and Rehabilitation, Dr. Moses Muwanga, during a national stakeholder engagement with persons living with albinism in Kampala.
Dr. Muwanga said the framework includes a list of essential items such as sunscreen, prescription glasses and medicated skin creams, which has already passed through the relevant approval processes and is now awaiting final endorsement by the ministry’s top management.
He said the initiative is intended to improve access to life-saving health commodities for persons with disabilities, particularly people living with albinism who require specialized skin and eye care. He also encouraged persons with albinism to embrace self-confidence and reject stigma, reminding them that they are valued members of society.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Albinism Umbrella, Olive Namutebi, said the meeting was convened to review and validate the implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism over the past five years and to extend its implementation to 2027 after activities were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Namutebi highlighted several achievements made under the action plan, including the formal recognition of albinism as a disability, the introduction of special examination papers with larger fonts by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), and the reclassification of sunscreen lotions and protective glasses from cosmetic products to essential medicines.
Despite the progress, she said persons with albinism continue to face significant challenges, including high rates of skin cancer, persistent stigma and discrimination, limited access to education, and harmful myths, including the belief in some communities that sacrificing people with albinism brings wealth.
Stakeholders at the meeting said extending the National Action Plan will provide an opportunity to address the remaining gaps in healthcare, education, social inclusion and protection, while strengthening efforts to safeguard the rights and dignity of persons living with albinism across Uganda.
By Our Reporter
27th July 2026