Tayebwa orders probe into high sunscreen costs for vitiligo patients
He explained that making these lotions affordable is vital for many Ugandans, including his old schoolmate, Ponsiano, a primary school teacher he studied with up to Senior Four, who was also present.
Tayebwa interracting with his OB Ponsiano on Monday during an engagement with persons suffering from vitiligo under the banner of the Vitiligo Association of Uganda (VAU). (Credit: Uganda Parliament)
By Dedan Kimathi
Journalists @New Vision
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Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has instructed Parliament's Health Committee to investigate complaints from vitiligo patients regarding the high cost of sunscreen.
The Ruhinda North lawmaker issued the directive on Monday, September 22, 2025, during an engagement in the boardroom with persons suffering from vitiligo under the banner of the Vitiligo Association of Uganda (VAU).
The delegation was led by Muhairwe Kahuuta.
Most importantly, Tayebwa expressed outrage at taxing photoprotective topical products, which protect such people from exposure to the sun.
He argued that while sunscreen is often considered a luxury by some, it is medication for patients living with vitiligo.
He explained that making these lotions affordable is vital for many Ugandans, including his old schoolmate, Ponsiano, a primary school teacher he studied with up to Senior Four, who was also present.
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in the loss of pigment from areas of the skin, hair, and mucous membranes, leading to white patches or spots.
Globally, more than 100 million people suffer from this condition, including an estimated 3.7 million in the United States of America (USA).
In Uganda, Kahuuta said the condition is often accompanied by stigma and myths, with some people believing those affected were burnt by twins or are living with HIV/AIDS.
He explained that young people who develop the condition at school often face discrimination and exclusion, which forces many to drop out.
“So, we have gone to such schools where we have members and sensitised the school community and the teachers that this is a non-communicable disease. There is nothing wrong with having vitiligo,” he said.
He added that access to diagnostics remains limited.
Looking ahead, the association wants MPs to move a motion endorsing the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 78th skin disease resolution and support district-level budgets for vitiligo services such as diagnostics, phototherapy, and counselling.