By Adonis Byemelwa
A wave of controversy has swept through Tanzania following the gruesome discovery of the mutilated body of a two-year-old albino child, Asimwe Novath. Found with several body parts missing, the incident has once again spotlighted the rampant violence faced by people with albinism, especially as the nation gears up for the 2025 General Elections.
This horrific act has sparked an emotional response in Parliament, with Special Seats MP Khadija Taya, known as Keysha, breaking down in tears while seeking guidance from the Speaker on how to address the safety of albinos during the election period.
“Every election cycle, people with albinism live in constant fear,” Keysha declared, her voice trembling with emotion. “On May 4, 2024, a ten-year-old boy named Julius Kazungu was attacked with a sharp object in Katoro, Geita District.
On May 30, 2024, unidentified assailants kidnapped him from his mother’s arms in Bulamula village, Muleba District, Kagera region. Despite extensive efforts by the government to find him, his body was discovered yesterday, June 17, 2024, brutally mutilated.”
As Keysha spoke, the urgency and pain in her voice resonated with everyone present. “People with albinism have no peace, no joy. They believe that as elections approach, their lives are in grave danger,” she emphasized.
“We are also heading into elections, so for the sake of those suffering and the anguish of the parents of these children, I implore the Parliament to halt its current activities and discuss robust measures to protect albinos and their children.”
Her plea did not go unnoticed. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mussa Zungu, acknowledged the severity of the issue but directed Keysha to discuss the matter further with the Minister of Home Affairs for a comprehensive briefing. “We are deeply saddened by these events,” Zungu stated. “According to Rule 54, you should meet with the Minister of Home Affairs to explain the situation in detail and obtain a thorough report.”
The non-governmental organization Under The Same Sun, which advocates for the rights and well-being of people with albinism in Tanzania, has documented the surge in violence against this vulnerable group. Reports of brutal attacks, dismemberment, and even grave robberies linked to superstitious beliefs have been prevalent since 2006. These violent acts often escalate around election times, driven by the false notion that albino body parts bring good luck and political success.
Efforts to protect people with albinism have included the establishment of camps, such as those in Kabanga (Kigoma), Buhangija (Shinyanga), Mitindo (Mwanza), Pongwe (Tanga), Kitengule (Tabora), and Mugeza (Kagera).
However, some of these camps have since been disbanded, and residents returned home as security appeared to improve. Yet, despite a reduction in reported incidents from 2015 to 2019, a resurgence in violence was noted with the 2022 murder of Joseph Mathias in Ngula, Kwimba District, Mwanza region.
“Security measures for albinos must be enhanced significantly as we approach the 2025 General Elections,” insisted Martin Maranja, a leading human rights advocate. “The government needs to implement stricter laws and ensure that these heinous crimes are met with the harshest penalties.”
The chilling murder of Asimwe Novath and the ongoing threats faced by people with albinism underscore the urgent need for action. Tanzania, and East Africa more broadly, continue to see alarming rates of violence against this community, with one in every 1,400 people having albinism.
In response to the outcry, the government has promised swift action. Bukoba District Commissioner Erasto Sima, representing the Kagera Regional Commissioner, oversaw the somber burial of Asimwe, which was conducted with full governmental support. Sima vowed to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and to bolster protection for those at risk.
The Tanzanian public, meanwhile, is demanding more than just words. There is a growing call for comprehensive security reforms and the establishment of a robust support system for people with albinism. As the 2025 elections draw nearer, the safety and security of this vulnerable population have become a national priority.
“The government must take these threats seriously,” urged Keysha. “We cannot allow fear and superstition to dictate the lives of our citizens. The safety of people with albinism must be guaranteed, and those responsible for these barbaric acts must be held accountable.”
The plight of albinos in Tanzania is not just a political issue but a human rights crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. With the nation on edge and the international community watching, the Tanzanian government faces a crucial test in protecting its most vulnerable citizens and ensuring that justice prevails.
