Minister Pledges Increased Government Support for Older Persons

Rukungiri: The Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Elderly Affairs, Jacqueline Mbabazi, has pledged increased government support for older persons, including improved access to social protection, healthcare and economic empowerment programmes.

Mbabazi made the pledge on October 8, during a meeting with older persons at Rukungiri District Council Hall, where she urged local leaders to prioritise the needs of older persons in district budgets and development programmes.

Jacqueline Mbabazi said the 2024 National Census recorded about 2.3 million older persons in Uganda, a figure projected to rise to approximately 2.6 million by June this year.

However, Mbabazi expressed concern that many older persons are supporting large households despite having limited resources, making government support critical to their welfare.

She said older persons should also benefit from the Parish Development Model, PDM, noting that they are expected to receive 10 percent of the 100 million shillings allocated to each parish.

She revealed that Cabinet agreed in September 2025 to reduce the eligibility age for SAGE from 80 to 65 years and increase the monthly grant to 35,000 shillings.

However, she said the changes could not be included in the current budget because they would require an additional 252.16 billion shillings.

Mbabazi said the ministry is engaging the Ministry of Finance to ensure the funds are provided for in the 2027/28 financial year budget.

On healthcare, Mbabazi said government is considering introducing medical insurance for older persons, including the possibility of using part of the SAGE grant to contribute towards insurance premiums once the monthly payment is increased.

Cue in….Minister on health…RR.

She further said government is working with the police and other authorities to address violence and abuse against older persons, while urging elderly people to report such cases through their local councils.

Mbabazi also called for faster handling of cases involving older persons in courts and said discussions are ongoing with public service authorities over challenges affecting pensioners.

Cue in…..Jacqueline Mbabazi adds RR.

Meanwhile, Anna Muhindo, a leader of the National Council for Older Persons, urged district leaders to ensure that the needs of older persons are incorporated into district budgets.

Muhindo called on leaders of older persons’ councils to work with Community Development Officers and other officials to identify older persons in their communities and use the information to improve planning and lobbying for government support.

Cue in……Muhindo RR.

The Chairperson and Rukungiri District Councillor for Older Persons, George Ruraka Byaruhanga, called for improved healthcare services for the elderly.

Ruraka asked government to strengthen medical insurance for older persons, equip Health Centre IIIs, prioritise elderly patients at health facilities and consider establishing government-subsidised homes for older persons.

Cue in……Ruraka RR.

The meeting was attended by Rukungiri Assistant Resident District Commissioner Mable Karazarwe, the Chief Administrative Officer, LC5 Chairperson, older persons from across the district and other invited guests.