Bill outlawing discrimination against albinism ready

Jan 26, 2017

The object of the Bill is to prohibit the discrimination against people suffering with albinism and to ensure affirmative action in their favour.

Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga chats with Mirembe Elizabeth and Josseous Nayebare some of the leaders of the Albinism community. PHOTO/ Miriam Namutebi.

 An East African Community Protection of people with albinism Bill, 2016 is in the offing with the House granting its mover, Hon Shyrose Bhanji leave to introduce the Bill.

The object of the Bill is to prohibit the discrimination against people suffering with albinism and to ensure affirmative action in their favour.

It also stipulates the sanctions against those who indulge in suffocating the rights of persons with Albinism.  The Bill hopes to put in place sanctions including conviction of those who discriminate against albinos.

The object of the Act is to promote dignity and equal opportunities for persons with albinism.   The Bill seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination of persons with albinism on grounds of their disability.

"There are people with albinism who are killed in face of negative beliefs and witchcraft.  We live in a modern society and such beliefs have no place in the world today. Such killings should be stopped and are criminal," said Bhanji.

 "We must also put in place/propagate for affirmative action for those with albinism," she added.

In support of the motion were Mike Sebalu, Maryam Ussi Yahya, Dr James Ndahiro, Patricia Hajabakiga and AbuBakr Ogle. Other Members were Abubakar Zein, Valerie Nyirahabineza and Taslima Twaha.

 

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