Dwarfs want laws for protection
Jan 10, 2010
PEOPLE of short stature, commonly known as dwarfs, have asked the Government to make laws that will protect them from discrimination.
By Mathias Mazinga
PEOPLE of short stature, commonly known as dwarfs, have asked the Government to make laws that will protect them from discrimination.
The dwarfs also asked employers not to sideline them when giving out jobs.
The dwarfs made the remarks during their annual sensitisation workshop at Kolping House in Kampala on Friday.
The workshop was organised by the Little People of Uganda, an NGO, which provides support and information to dwarfs and parents of children affected by dwarfism.
The founder of the organisation, Annet Nakyeyune, said dwarfs are discriminated and exploited despite the existing international laws that are meant to protect them.
“Society has complete disregard for dwarfs. Parents don’t want to educate them. Organisations also exclude them from employment. Our society perceives dwarfs as only fit for crude comedy,†Nakyeyune said.
She noted dwarfs are like any other human beings, adding that their only difference is being extra-ordinarily short.
Aisha Naava, a participant, said men make dwarfs pregnant and then deny responsibility.
“They covertly fall in love and co-habit with us. After impregnating us, they refuse to accept responsibility because they consider it to be a taboo.â€
Several other dwarfs narrated how they struggle to pay school fees for their children who were abandoned by their fathers.
Joel Musana, a student of Kyambogo University, said his colleagues made fun of him when he had just joined the university.
The executive secretary for the National Council for the Disabled, Julius Kamya, asked the dwarfs to seek assistance from the Police, media and human rights organisations whenever they are discriminated against.
PEOPLE of short stature, commonly known as dwarfs, have asked the Government to make laws that will protect them from discrimination.
The dwarfs also asked employers not to sideline them when giving out jobs.
The dwarfs made the remarks during their annual sensitisation workshop at Kolping House in Kampala on Friday.
The workshop was organised by the Little People of Uganda, an NGO, which provides support and information to dwarfs and parents of children affected by dwarfism.
The founder of the organisation, Annet Nakyeyune, said dwarfs are discriminated and exploited despite the existing international laws that are meant to protect them.
“Society has complete disregard for dwarfs. Parents don’t want to educate them. Organisations also exclude them from employment. Our society perceives dwarfs as only fit for crude comedy,†Nakyeyune said.
She noted dwarfs are like any other human beings, adding that their only difference is being extra-ordinarily short.
Aisha Naava, a participant, said men make dwarfs pregnant and then deny responsibility.
“They covertly fall in love and co-habit with us. After impregnating us, they refuse to accept responsibility because they consider it to be a taboo.â€
Several other dwarfs narrated how they struggle to pay school fees for their children who were abandoned by their fathers.
Joel Musana, a student of Kyambogo University, said his colleagues made fun of him when he had just joined the university.
The executive secretary for the National Council for the Disabled, Julius Kamya, asked the dwarfs to seek assistance from the Police, media and human rights organisations whenever they are discriminated against.