Uganda to Mark International Day of Older Persons in Jinja

Uganda will on Wednesday, October 1, join the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), under the theme “Enhanced Household Incomes: A Key to Dignity and Respect for Older Persons.”

The announcement was made this morning by Hon. Gidudu Mafwabi Dominic, Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre.

The national celebrations will be held at St. John Secondary School, Wakitaka, in Jinja City, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to preside over the event. Activities will include exhibitions by older persons, health camps, demonstrations of Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE) payments, a solidarity march, and the launch of a toll-free helpline to report abuse against older persons.

According to the 2024 National Population Census, older persons account for 5% of Uganda’s population, translating to about 2.3 million people. The figure is projected to rise to nearly 4 million by 2050. Globally, the number of people aged 60 and above is expected to reach 2 billion by mid-century.

Hon. Gidudu said the day serves as an opportunity to honor the contributions, wisdom, and resilience of older persons while reflecting on the challenges they face—particularly income insecurity, which undermines their dignity and independence.

“Lack of income security leaves many older persons vulnerable to poverty, neglect, and social exclusion,” he said. “This is why Government continues to strengthen social protection programmes that enhance the dignity and quality of life of older persons.”

The minister highlighted several ongoing initiatives:

• Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP): Benefiting 13,449 people across 181 local governments, supporting diverse small enterprises.
• Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE): Currently reaching 306,759 older persons, with each receiving UGX 25,000 per month, paid quarterly.
• Cash Transfers for Elderly Refugees: A pilot programme in Koboko and Yumbe districts, modeled on SAGE, to support older refugees.
• Inclusion in the Parish Development Model (PDM): About 3% of PDM beneficiaries are older persons.

Despite progress, the minister acknowledged funding gaps, arrears in SAGE payments, and the need to lower the eligibility age from 80 years while increasing the grant value. He also cited challenges such as lack of national IDs, limited access to government airtime for older persons’ councils, and exclusion from certain government programmes like Emyooga.

Government, he said, is exploring reforms, including amending the Older Persons Act to expand rights and protections, introducing free or subsidized medical insurance for older persons, and dedicating specific funds under PDM to older persons’ enterprises.

Hon. Gidudu urged older persons to take advantage of ongoing national ID registration to improve access to services and called on local leaders to ensure older persons’ voices are prioritized.

He concluded by appreciating President Museveni for his “continuous support” to older persons and invited the public to participate in the national commemoration in Jinja.

“As we mark this year’s International Day of Older Persons, let us recommit to compassion, accountability, and transparency in delivering social protection so that no one is left behind,” he said.