By The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has admitted that Uganda’s older persons are grappling with severe challenges, including poverty, neglect, and exclusion from key government programmes, but pledged reforms to restore dignity to the elderly.
Addressing journalists ahead of the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) due on October 1, the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Gidudu Mafwabi Dominic, acknowledged gaps in the existing social protection system.
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He cited UGX 20.6 billion arrears under the Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE), a UGX 5 billion funding gap for the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP), and delayed reforms to lower the eligibility age for SAGE from 80 years. “We are processing these matters and will communicate the final position on October 1,” he said.
Government is also considering allocating UGX 10 million annually per parish specifically for older persons’ enterprises under the Parish Development Model, as well as making them a beneficiary category under Emyooga.
To further protect the elderly, Hon. Gidudu revealed that proposals are underway to amend the Older Persons Act, introducing measures such as free land registration services for vulnerable elderly to curb land grabbing, free medical insurance for those over 80 years, and specialized gerontology centres to care for those without family support.
Despite the challenges, the Minister pointed to ongoing programmes that have benefited older persons, including the SAGE monthly stipend reaching 306,000 elderly people and SEGOP grants that have supported over 13,000 beneficiaries. Cash transfer schemes for elderly refugees in Koboko and Yumbe districts have also been rolled out.
This year’s IDOP, to be marked under the theme “Enhanced Household Incomes: A Key to Dignity and Respect for Older Persons,” will be celebrated at St. John Secondary School, Jinja City, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to preside.
