EFPA's background

EFPA was initially registered as a community based organization in 2010 and later registered as an NGO in 2015 to advocate for rights for persons with albinism in the Elgon sub region. This organization was established upon the background that Persons with Albinism face multiple barriers, often stigmatized and discriminated against hence the need to bring them together, helping them know they are not alone and change the prejudice and attitudes about their condition.

Persons with albinism are a vulnerable group that faces multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination just because of who they are. Their rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, security, equality and non-discrimination, health, education, and an adequate standard of living are often severely threatened

Witchcraft-related beliefs practices myths and superstitions have influenced serious violations of human rights of persons with albinism in many parts of the world.

Discrimination

They have been subjected to discrimination, banishment, cutting of body parts and amputation of limbs, torture, and murder due to these unfounded beliefs. Violations of the human rights of persons with albinism take place in Africa including in Uganda. Children and adults with albinism in sub-Saharan Africa face additional challenges such as visual impairments and extreme vulnerability to skin infections and cancer because they lack melanin in their skin

The discrimination experienced by people with albinism means they're routinely excluded from formal employment and their enterprises are often shunned by potential customers who believe albinism is a curse. People with albinism can’t engage in productive activities such as herd animals or cultivate crops in the sun for long periods of time because of their vulnerability to sunburn and skin cancer.

Sustainabiltity

Most people with albinism therefore lack sustainable sources of income and live in chronic financial need, among the poorest, most marginalised groups in Uganda.

They are considered objects of pity or products of curse. With the existence of such an atmosphere sufficient justification to initiate such an idea to mobilize, sensitize and advocate for rights of persons with Albinism was inevitable and thus led to the birth of EFPA so as to create an atmosphere of equality in competing for opportunities which will lead to balanced development in Uganda and particularly Elgon sub region.

The presence of increased instances of stigma attached to persons with Albinism from their own families and entire communities around them denies them their rights to development.