Kiryandongo older persons want to prioritised in the district budget 

KIRYANDONGO, September 25, 2026 — The Minister of State for Older Persons, Jackline Mbabazi, has announced that a Cabinet decision to expand the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment [SAGE] programme is awaiting funding.

Mbabazi stated that Cabinet agreed last year to increase the monthly SAGE grant from Shs 25,000 to Shs 35,000 and reduce the eligibility age from 80 to 65 years.

She explained that implementing these changes would require an additional Shs 252 billion, which could not be provided in the national budget for the current financial year.

She added that she would continue engaging Cabinet to have the funds considered in the budget for the next financial year.

Mbabazi made these remarks during the induction of Kiryandongo district and sub-county older persons’ councils on Tuesday at the district headquarters.

Kiryandongo District Chairperson Nelson Osaga emphasised the important role older persons play in shaping the current generation, asserting that they should be respected and actively involved in community leadership.

Osaga noted that out of approximately 11,846 older persons in Kiryandongo district, only 1,331 currently benefit from SAGE.

He advocated for reducing the eligibility age to 65, citing concerns that many individuals may not live long enough to benefit from the current 80-year threshold.

“The elders have been there before us. They have experience, and we need their guidance,” Osaga said, urging older persons to mentor the district’s youthful leadership.

He also recounted an incident where elderly people appearing before a magistrate’s court lacked guidance and support, which reinforced the need to treat older persons with dignity and respect.

Meanwhile, Deogratious Bazaale, Chairperson of the Kiryandongo District Older Persons Council, highlighted the long-standing struggles of older persons to secure adequate financial and institutional support.

Bazaale stated that older persons’ councils have not been adequately provided for in district budgets, making them largely dependent on funds from the Ministry.

He explained that limited resources hinder their ability to monitor programs, run their offices, and participate effectively in activities such as Older Persons Day celebrations.

Bazaale also called for increased funding for older persons’ groups, noting that Kiryandongo currently has only three groups supported annually under the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons [SEGOP] programme.

He further appealed for the operationalisation of district older persons’ offices and improved transport support for Community Development Officers and council leaders to enable effective program monitoring.

Regarding health, Bazaale urged for improved access to health services and greater attention to non-communicable diseases affecting older persons.

Mbabazi confirmed that the Ministry is also pursuing a proposal for a medical insurance scheme for older persons and has presented the matter to Cabinet.

The induction brought together district and sub-county older persons’ councils to strengthen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in representing senior citizens.

https://thecooperator.news/sage-over-shs-560bln-disbursed-to-older-persons/

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