When I was born, my parents said things would be difficult
Our family faced a lot of abuse because of my condition. People wouldn't visit the house, and when I went outside to play, children would run away. So I ended up playing alone.
"I was different. I was not supposed to be around others."
At school no one would sit next to me; I was alone a lot of the time. Still, I worked hard and managed to complete primary school: my education was important to me.
My family relationships were positive. I was the only one with albinism, but they tried very hard to make others understand my condition. Despite this, they were not always aware of my needs as a person with albinism. I was left to hang out in the sun for long hours, which burnt and damaged my skin. Nobody knew why this was happening. My teachers were also unaware of the risks of the sun, and left me outside with all the other students.
When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming the captain of a boat. I was inspired by my father who was a ferry captain, and used to spend days with him on the boat seeing and learning about what he did.
Instead, when I left primary school, I began working for a man who fixed cars. I started to learn all about cars and how to fix them. This became my job, working as a mechanic: I enjoyed it greatly, but sometimes it was difficult with my poor vision.
In 2009, I became Chairman of the Ukerewe Albinism Society. I wanted to share my albinism with the world and help others with the condition: I wanted to have an impact. I would work at the Society every morning and continue my work as a mechanic in the afternoon.
The Ukerewe Albinism Society has changed a lot since I first joined as a member in 1991. It is much stronger now because the understanding of people with albinism has grown.
Now we come together with unity and compassion.
The new Umoja Training Centre has played a big part in this. The building has helped us to be accepted by the wider community. People come here to find out what the building is about, to receive training, and to collect water. The Centre has made us stronger.
I first learnt about Standing Voice in 2012, but I had been working with their team for a long time before this. Their health clinics and advocacy projects have made us feel better about ourselves.
Now, I am married, with a one-year-old baby. My son has made me happier than I ever thought possible. I have purpose and responsibility: I keep going to support my family.