Tanzania outlines measures to protect people with albinism

Dar es Salaam. The government is ramping up efforts to protect people with albinism from attacks and abduction, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa told Parliament in Dodoma on Thursday.

The government’s move follows the recent abduction and killing of Asiimwe Novati, a two-year-old girl with albinism, in Muleba District, Kagera Region.

Responding to impromptu questions from MPs, Mr Majaliwa outlined eight comprehensive strategies aimed at eradicating violence against people with albinism.

They include the preparation of the National Plan to Prevent Violence against People with Albinism (NAP), which is being developed in collaboration with the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) and other stakeholders to provide a cohesive approach to protecting people with albinism.

The government is also organising a meeting of all regional commissioners from Tanzania Mainland scheduled for July 3, which will focus on establishing a common strategy.

On May 31 two men attacked Novati’s mother and abducted the child. Her body was found in a plastic bag by the roadside three weeks later.

On May 4 ten-year-old Julius Kazungu was attacked with a machete in Katoro, Geita Region. Fortunately, he survived and is recovering through government-supported medical care.

Mr Majaliwa announced the completion of the National Plan to Eradicate Violence against People with Disabilities for 2024/25-2026/27, noting that the comprehensive plan aims at addressing the broader issue of violence against all people with disabilities.

“The government is committed to executing several strategies to protect people with albinism and other disabilities, including updating the 2004 National Development and Service Policy for People with Disabilities and preparing a Five-Year Implementation Strategy (2024/25-2029/30),” he told Parliament.

The government will also launch a three-year Strategy for Access to Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities, including those with albinism, next month.

Mr Majaliwa added that the government will continue with the identification and registration of people with disabilities using an electronic system and database that was unveiled in December 2023.

He emphasised the provision of education on violence against people with disabilities through social welfare officers, community development officers, and special education officers alongside enforcing guidelines to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in all societal aspects.

In a strong condemnation of the violence, Mr Majaliwa urged security and law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations and operations to arrest perpetrators.

A recent police report confirmed that nine individuals, including an assistant parish priest and the victim’s father, were being held for questioning in connection with Asimwe’s killing.

Mr Majaliwa called on various societal groups to join the fight against intensifying atrocities, saying, “Regional and district commissioners should ensure special protection operations for people with albinism, involving security forces to guarantee their safety are heightened at their respective areas of jurisdictions.”

Recognising the influence of religious and traditional leaders, the Prime Minister urged them to condemn these violent acts from their platforms.

“These acts should be strongly condemned. People with albinism have the right to live just like everyone else.”

In another development, Union of Traditional Healers and Midwives in Tanzania (Uwawata) secretary-general Lucas Mlipu supported Mr Majaliwa’s call.

“There is no traditional medicine that involves human body parts. Those involved in such acts are frauds who should face severe legal action,” he told a news conference in Dodoma.

Moving forward, the government’s commitment to protecting people with albinism and other vulnerable groups is clear.