Filmmaker Nazzinda Ruth Uses Documentary to Raise Lupus Awareness

Shining a Light on Lupus is a health documentary currently being screened in multiple locations around the world.

The documentary was written, directed, and produced by Nazzinda Ruth, a Ugandan filmmaker. It is being used as a tool to create awareness about lupus and other autoimmune diseases in Uganda and across Africa.

^{_{Nazzinda speaking at the main screening event that was held at the American Centre on 8 May}}

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. The condition causes inflammation that can damage the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Although there is currently no cure, medications and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Uganda does not have a national registry for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), making it difficult to determine the exact number of people living with the disease. However, local clinical studies conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital estimate that approximately 5.5% of patients presenting with rheumatological conditions have lupus.

Studies among diagnosed Ugandans indicate that the disease primarily affects young women of reproductive age, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 10:1. Local initiatives such as Lupus Initiative Uganda support small cohorts of about 30 registered individuals, highlighting the likelihood that many more people remain undiagnosed or isolated.

According to Nazzinda, the post-screening dialogue campaign has registered notable progress through support from YMCA Africa, the Kofi Annan Foundation, WCM Global, and Bitone Art Reels (BAREEL), in collaboration with Might Foundation, Lupus Initiative Uganda, and Shemera Organics.

The main screening event was held at the American Centre on 8 May, ahead of World Lupus Day, which is commemorated annually on 10 May.

^{_{Some of the people, including those living with Lupus, who showed up for the main screening event}}

“We are now on a journey to establish the first lupus and autoimmune diseases clinic in Kampala, Uganda. Fundraising is ongoing, with a target of between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000, to reduce the burden of individual medical fundraising campaigns that occur almost every month. Alongside this, we continue to hold multiple screening and dialogue sessions to keep lupus awareness alive in our communities,” said Nazzinda.

She added: “We also welcome support from any organisation or venue interested in hosting a screening of the documentary.”

Despite its impact on many lives, lupus remains one of the least discussed diseases in Uganda, with limited public information and awareness campaigns from the relevant government agencies. Through initiatives such as Shining a Light on Lupus, advocates hope to increase public understanding, encourage early diagnosis, and improve access to care for people living with the disease.