Government has launched the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) programme in Sheema District, South-western Uganda.

SAGE is a government programme meant to support and empower older persons in Uganda to cope with their unique vulnerabilities. Under the programme, Uganda’s senior citizens (60 years and above) are each given 25,000/= (Twenty-five thousand shillings) per month to benefit them and their families.

Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi presided over the launch, where he represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Ssekandi acknowledged the role older people play in today’s society and said government is committed to providing them with income support.

“I am glad that the NRM (National Resistance Movement) manifesto commits government to provide income support to older persons, upon which regard the government has put in place social assistance grants for the older persons,” Ssekandi said.

Ssekandi explained that older persons play a vital role in resolving conflicts, preserving rich traditions and heritage, as well as taking on the parenting role. He however noted that in today’s society, the tradition of looking after the older persons is eroding away, leaving them helpless.

“I am sure you are all aware that it is good to grow old with security and dignity. However, due to modernisation, urbanisation and the scourge of HIV/AIDS, the rich tradition of supporting our older persons is greatly weakened. The older persons can no longer receive the support they once expected thus have to fend for themselves and the orphans under their care,” he noted.

He further reassured the older people that government will not abandon them.

“I would like to assure you that the NRM government will not abandon you at this stage when you need support to continue living secure and dignified lives,” he told them.

The launch took place during the celebrations of International Day for Older Persons which took place at Sheema stadium, Sheema district, organised by Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Janet Mukwaya, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development said various older persons across the country have benefited from this programme.

“Currently, 151,178 beneficiaries are receiving the SAGE grants in 47 districts. The programme expects to increase coverage to 226,085 beneficiaries over five years,” she noted.

Sheema district is the first district in greater Ankole region to benefit from the programme.

According to Enoch Kabagambe, the Chairman Old Persons in Kabwohe Division, Sheema District, poverty has been the biggest challenge for them.

“Poverty has been a problem here. It makes it hard for most of our old people to access medication, water, and electricity,” Kabagambe adds.

A report from gender ministry shows that currently, nearly three percent (3%) of the population in Uganda are aged over 60 years. The report also indicates that 2 out of 5 older persons live below the international extreme poverty line (UGX 2,700 per person per day).