The elderly population is urging the government to make significant changes to the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program, which currently provides older persons with a quarterly payment of Shs75,000. They feel that this amount is insufficient to cover their daily needs and are requesting an increase in the benefit to Shs200,000 every three months, citing the growing economic challenges faced by older individuals.
These requests were made during the national celebration of Older Persons Day at Humura playground in Kyegegwa District. In addition to the increase in benefits, they also proposed lowering the age for eligibility from 80 years to 65 years. They argued that individuals at 65 years of age are also vulnerable and in need of assistance.
Mr. Deogratious Gafabusa, an elder from Kibuba Village in Kyegegwa District, expressed gratitude for the financial support he has received through SAGE. However, he emphasized that the funds fall short of covering their essential needs.
Another elderly individual, Ms. Violet Nyakairu, aged 72 and a resident of Buturya Village in Kabarole District, expressed her desire to be considered for the SAGE program, as she faces daily challenges and is responsible for caring for her 12 orphaned grandchildren. She currently does not qualify due to the age limit of 80 years.
Mr. Stephen Kasaija, the SAGE program manager at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, acknowledged the challenges faced by the elderly population. He encouraged those who are missing out on SAGE benefits to visit the National Identification and Registration Authority offices to obtain a National ID, which is a requirement for enrollment in the program. He also mentioned that the government is considering the requests to lower the SAGE enrollment age and increase the benefits.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who attended the event as the chief guest, encouraged the elderly to embrace the culture of saving and avoid land fragmentation. She also promised to expedite the progress of the Older Persons Bill 2019.