In a world that often obsesses over perfection, those living with vitiligo are calling for an end to the skin-deep judgment. Marking World Vitiligo Day, advocates and medical experts in Uganda are making a strong push to smash the stigma surrounding the condition. While dermatologists emphasize that the skin changes are permanent for most, the Vitiligo Association of Uganda is urging the government to step up funding for specialized treatment while encouraging patients to embrace their unique skin.

Our reporter spoke to both experts and those living with the condition and brings us their stories.

Mukatushabira Penina, chief mobilizer for the Vitiligo Association of Uganda, says celebrating the World Vitiligo Day, which was on the 25th later on, was to sensitize the community to ending stigma against persons with vitiligo. She mentions the challenges they face and urges government to do research on how to support patients by investing in dermatologists

Dr. Mundu Abdullatif, a dermatologist, explained the genesis of vitiligo in someone’s body and how the disease disrupts the life of a victim

Muhairwe Kahuuta the vice chairperson of the vitiligo association of Uganda says while the condition reverses itself in rare cases, it is permanent in most scenarios and therefore encourages persons with vitiligo to be at peace and comfortable with the condition

Elizabeth Mutesi, NRM Councilor, old Kampala encourages people out there with the condition of vitiligo to come join the community in order to connect with other people of the same condition

We had conversation with persons living with vitiligo about their experiences and this is what they had to say